Question

Explain the process to solve the equation.

Use proper vocabulary in your explanation.

One-fourth of $x=$negative five eighths

Answer 1

Step-1 : Express word problem to numerical form:

One fourth of $x$ can be written as $\frac{x}{4}$.

So, the equation is $\frac{x}{4}=\frac{-5}{8}$.

Step-2 : Solve for $x$.

Cross multiply the equation $\frac{x}{4}=\frac{-5}{8}$.

$$\begin{gathered} 8x=-5\times 4 \\ \Rightarrow 8x=-20 \\ \Rightarrow x=\frac{-20}{8}\left(\mathrm{Divide}\mathrm{both}\mathrm{sides}\mathrm{by}8\right) \\ \therefore x=\frac{-5}{2} \end{gathered}$$

Therefore, the value of $x$ is $\frac{-5}{2}.$