20+2/9a=38

To solve for 'a', we need to isolate it on one side of the equation.

First, we'll start by getting rid of the fraction on the left side of the equation by multiplying both sides by the denominator, which is 9:

20 + 2/9 a = 38

9(20 + 2/9 a) = 9(38)

180 + 2a = 342

Next, we'll isolate the 'a' term by subtracting 180 from both sides:

2a = 342 - 180

2a = 162

Finally, we'll solve for 'a' by dividing both sides by 2:

a = 81