what number should be added to both sides of x-7/8=-5 to solve for the value of x

1 answer

To solve the equation \( x - \frac{7}{8} = -5 \), you need to isolate \( x \). To do this, you can add \(\frac{7}{8}\) to both sides of the equation.

Here’s how it looks step-by-step:

  1. Start with the equation: \[ x - \frac{7}{8} = -5 \]

  2. Add \(\frac{7}{8}\) to both sides: \[ x - \frac{7}{8} + \frac{7}{8} = -5 + \frac{7}{8} \]

  3. This simplifies to: \[ x = -5 + \frac{7}{8} \]

To further simplify the right side, convert \(-5\) into a fraction with a denominator of 8: \[ -5 = -\frac{40}{8} \] So, \[ x = -\frac{40}{8} + \frac{7}{8} = \frac{-40 + 7}{8} = \frac{-33}{8} \]

Thus, the value of \( x \) is: \[ x = -\frac{33}{8} \]

In conclusion, to solve for \( x \), you should add \(\frac{7}{8}\) to both sides of the equation.