Question

Explain the process to solve the equation. Use proper vocabulary in your explanation.

One-fourth x = negative five-eighths plz help

Answer 1

Your goal is to isolate the x. This is a multiplication problem, so use the inverse operation, which is division. Divide both sides of the equation by

1

4 by multiplying by the reciprocal, 4. (−

5

8)(4) is −

5

2. Use substitution to check the answer. x = −

5

2

Answer 2

9514 1404 393

Answer:

x = -5/2

Explanation:

The equation ...

`(1)/(4)x=-(5)/(8)`

is a "one-step" linear equation. It has a variable term on one side of the equal sign and a constant term on the other sided of the equal sign. It is solved by multiplying both sides of the equation by the reciprocal of the coefficient of the variable. The variable coefficient is 1/4, so you multiply by the reciprocal of that, 4. Multiplying by this value causes the coefficient of the variable to become the multiplicative identity element, 1. Both sides of the equation are multiplied by this value in accordance with the multiplication property of equality. That way, the variable value is not changed. Then the equation becomes ...

`(4)/(4)x=-(5\cdot4)/(2\cdot4)\\\\x=-(5)/(2) \qquad\text{simplified}`

After simplifying the coefficient and the constant, the solution is found to be x = -5/2, or x = -2 1/2.