How do I simplify an equation?

Lets take this as an example:

Simplify 5a - (2a + 6)

To 'simplify an equation' means to put it at its most basic form

To make it easier for us, we can place a 1 infront of the bracket, so we know what we are dealing with...

5a - 1(2a + 6).

The golden rule here is to expand the brackets, first we multiply -1 by 2a, and then -1 by 6...

5a - 2a - 6

We are then left with multiple 'a's' in the equation, so can group these together...

3a - 6