Question

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

Answer 1

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.