4a+1-a=-42

Solution for 4a+1-a=-42 equation:

Simplifying
4a + 1 + -1a = -42

Reorder the terms:
1 + 4a + -1a = -42

Combine like terms: 4a + -1a = 3a
1 + 3a = -42

Solving
1 + 3a = -42

Solving for variable 'a'.

Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '-1' to each side of the equation.
1 + -1 + 3a = -42 + -1

Combine like terms: 1 + -1 = 0
0 + 3a = -42 + -1
3a = -42 + -1

Combine like terms: -42 + -1 = -43
3a = -43

Divide each side by '3'.
a = -14.33333333

Simplifying
a = -14.33333333