Question

Solve for a.
minus, start fraction, 5, divided by, 8, end fraction, a, minus, 4, equals, 1
−
8
5
​
a−4=
1

Answer 1

Let's solve the equation:

\[
-\frac{5}{8}a - 4 = 1
\]

First, we'll add 4 to both sides of the equation:

\[
-\frac{5}{8}a = 1 + 4
\]

\[
-\frac{5}{8}a = 5
\]

Next, we will multiply both sides by -1 to eliminate the negative sign:

\[
\frac{5}{8}a = -5
\]

Now, we will multiply both sides by the reciprocal of \(\frac{5}{8}\), which is \(\frac{8}{5}\):

\[
a = -5 \times \frac{8}{5}
\]

\[
a = -\frac{40}{5}
\]

\[
a = -8
\]

So, the solution is:

\[
\boxed{-8}
\]