[
  "To find A, undo the subtraction by adding 1 1/2 to both sides: A = 3 1/2 + 1 1/2.",
  "Whole numbers: 3 + 1 = 4. Fractions: 1/2 + 1/2 = 1. Total: 4 + 1 = 5.",
  "A = 5. Answer: 5 (option D)."
]