Answer:
a = 1.972
Step-by-step explanation:
a + 3 1/4 = 5 2/9
find a common denominator
a + 3 9/36 = 5 8/36
a = 5 8/36 - 3 9/36
a = 188/36 - 117/36
a = 71/36
a = 1.982