A step-by-step visual guide to solving 5a - 3 = 12.
Step 1: Start with the '5a' block, which represents the initial total.
Step 2: Show that '5a' is made of a known part '3' and an unknown part ('?').
Step 3: Reveal the unknown part is '12', completing the equation.
Step 4: Combine the parts to find the total value of '5a'.
Step 5: Divide the '5a' bar into 5 equal 'a' blocks.
Step 6: Show the value of each 'a' block is 3.
Step 7: Isolate a single 'a' block to show the final answer.