Solve -20=a(15+2)^2-3

$$- 20 = a ( 15 + 2 ) ^ { 2 } - 3$$

Solve for a

$$a=-\frac{1}{17}\approx -0.058823529$$

Steps for Solving Linear Equation

Add 15 and 2 to get 17.

$$-20=a\times 17^{2}-3$$

Calculate 17 to the power of 2 and get 289.

$$-20=a\times 289-3$$

Swap sides so that all variable terms are on the left hand side.

$$a\times 289-3=-20$$

Add 3 to both sides.

$$a\times 289=-20+3$$

Add -20 and 3 to get -17.

$$a\times 289=-17$$

Divide both sides by 289.

$$a=\frac{-17}{289}$$

Reduce the fraction \frac{-17}{289} to lowest terms by extracting and canceling out 17.

$$a=-\frac{1}{17}$$