Final answer:
To solve the equation w/6 + 5/8 = -13/8, find a common denominator for the fractions, combine like terms, and solve for w.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the equation w/6 + 5/8 = -13/8, we need to find a common denominator for the fractions. The least common multiple of 6 and 8 is 24. Multiplying the numerator and denominator of the first fraction by 4 and the numerator and denominator of the second fraction by 3, we get (4w + 15)/24 + 15/24 = -13/8. Combining the fractions on the left side of the equation, we have (4w + 15 + 15)/24 = -13/8. Simplifying further, (4w + 30)/24 = -13/8.
Now, cross multiply to eliminate the fractions. Multiply the numerator of the left side by the denominator of the right side, and multiply the denominator of the left side by the numerator of the right side: 8(4w + 30) = -13(24). Expanding, 32w + 240 = -312. Subtracting 240 from both sides, 32w = -312 - 240, giving 32w = -552. Finally, divide both sides by 32 to solve for w: w = -552/32 = -17.25.