a) To solve the equation a, we can start by simplifying the expression on the left side:

48 + 4(x - 2) = 96

First, distribute the 4 to both terms inside the parentheses:

48 + 4x - 8 = 96

Combine like terms:

4x + 40 = 96

Next, isolate the variable by subtracting 40 from both sides:

4x = 96 - 40

4x = 56

Finally, divide both sides by 4 to solve for x:

x = 56/4

x = 14

Therefore, the solution to equation a is x = 14.

b) To solve the equation b, we can start by simplifying the expression on the left side:

164 - 4(x - 5) = 5.4^2

First, distribute the -4 to both terms inside the parentheses:

164 - 4x + 20 = 5.4^2

Combine like terms:

184 - 4x = 5.4^2

Next, simplify the right side:

184 - 4x = 29.16

Now, isolate the variable by subtracting 184 from both sides:

-4x = 29.16 - 184

-4x = -154.84

Finally, divide both sides by -4 to solve for x:

x = -154.84 / -4

x = 38.71

Therefore, the solution to equation b is x = 38.71.