1. **State the problem:** Solve the inequality $6a + 9 \geq 8a - 7$. 2. **Write down the inequality:** $$6a + 9 \geq 8a - 7$$ 3. **Isolate variable terms on one side:** Subtract $6a$ from both sides: $$9 \geq 8a - 7 - 6a$$ $$9 \geq 2a - 7$$ 4. **Isolate constant terms on the other side:** Add $7$ to both sides: $$9 + 7 \geq 2a$$ $$16 \geq 2a$$ 5. **Solve for $a$:** Divide both sides by $2$ (positive number, inequality direction stays the same): $$\frac{16}{2} \geq a$$ $$8 \geq a$$ 6. **Rewrite the solution:** $$a \leq 8$$ **Answer:** The solution to the inequality is all values of $a$ such that $a \leq 8$.