1. **State the problem:** We have a triangle with three angles: $a + 50^\circ$, $70^\circ$, and $a + 44^\circ$. We need to find the value of $a$. 2. **Recall the triangle angle sum rule:** The sum of the interior angles of any triangle is always $180^\circ$. 3. **Set up the equation:** $$ (a + 50) + 70 + (a + 44) = 180 $$ 4. **Simplify the equation:** $$ a + 50 + 70 + a + 44 = 180 $$ $$ 2a + 164 = 180 $$ 5. **Solve for $a$:** $$ 2a = 180 - 164 $$ $$ 2a = 16 $$ $$ a = \frac{16}{2} = 8 $$ 6. **Answer:** The value of $a$ is $8^\circ$.