Pre-Algebra Examples

$\frac{x}{2} - \frac{3}{8} = - \frac{7}{8}$

Step 1

Move all terms not containing $x$ to the right side of the equation.

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Step 1.1

Add $\frac{3}{8}$ to both sides of the equation.

$\frac{x}{2} = - \frac{7}{8} + \frac{3}{8}$

Step 1.2

Combine the numerators over the common denominator.

$\frac{x}{2} = \frac{- 7 + 3}{8}$

Step 1.3

Add $- 7$ and $3$ .

$\frac{x}{2} = \frac{- 4}{8}$

Step 1.4

Cancel the common factor of $- 4$ and $8$ .

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Step 1.4.1

Factor $4$ out of $- 4$ .

$\frac{x}{2} = \frac{4 (- 1)}{8}$

Step 1.4.2

Cancel the common factors.

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Step 1.4.2.1

Factor $4$ out of $8$ .

$\frac{x}{2} = \frac{4 \cdot - 1}{4 \cdot 2}$

Step 1.4.2.2

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{x}{2} = \frac{4 \cdot - 1}{4 \cdot 2}$

Step 1.4.2.3

Rewrite the expression.

$\frac{x}{2} = \frac{- 1}{2}$

Step 1.5

Move the negative in front of the fraction.

$\frac{x}{2} = - \frac{1}{2}$

Step 2

Since the expression on each side of the equation has the same denominator, the numerators must be equal.

$x = - 1$