What number should be added to both sides of the equation x − 7 over 8 = −5 to find the value of x ?

1 answer

To find the value of x, we need to isolate x on one side of the equation.

To do this, we can start by adding 7/8 to both sides of the equation:
x - 7/8 + 7/8 = -5 + 7/8

On the left side, the (7/8 - 7/8) will cancel out, leaving just x:
x = -5 + 7/8

Next, we need to find a common denominator for -5 and 7/8, which is 8:
x = -5(8/8) + 7/8

-5 * 8 is -40, so we have:
x = -40/8 + 7/8

Now, we can add the fractions:
x = (-40 + 7)/8

-40 + 7 equals -33, so we have:
x = -33/8

Therefore, the value of x is -33/8.