1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $5a - 1 = 14$ for $a$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve for $a$, isolate the variable by performing inverse operations. Addition/subtraction and multiplication/division are used to isolate $a$. 3. **Step 1:** Add 1 to both sides to cancel the $-1$ on the left: $$5a - 1 + 1 = 14 + 1$$ $$5a = 15$$ 4. **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 5 to solve for $a$: $$\frac{5a}{\cancel{5}} = \frac{15}{\cancel{5}}$$ $$a = 3$$ 5. **Final answer:** $a = 3$