1. **State the problem:** Solve for $a$ in the equation $$4a + 5 = 2 + 3.25a$$. 2. **Write down the formula and rules:** To solve for $a$, we need to isolate $a$ on one side of the equation by performing algebraic operations such as addition, subtraction, and division. 3. **Subtract $3.25a$ from both sides:** $$4a + 5 - 3.25a = 2 + 3.25a - 3.25a$$ $$\Rightarrow (4a - 3.25a) + 5 = 2$$ $$\Rightarrow 0.75a + 5 = 2$$ 4. **Subtract 5 from both sides:** $$0.75a + 5 - 5 = 2 - 5$$ $$\Rightarrow 0.75a = -3$$ 5. **Divide both sides by 0.75:** $$a = \frac{-3}{0.75}$$ $$a = \frac{-3}{\cancel{0.75}} \times \frac{\cancel{1}}{1}$$ 6. **Calculate the division:** $$a = -4$$ **Final answer:** $$a = -4$$