Chapter 4: Problem 506
In the following exercises, solve. $$a-\frac{5}{8}=-\frac{7}{8}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of $$a$$ is $$- \frac{1}{4}$$.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Equation
The given equation is $$a - \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8}$$. We need to isolate the variable $$a$$ to find its value.
02
Add $$\frac{5}{8}$$ to Both Sides
We can isolate $$a$$ by adding $$\frac{5}{8}$$ to both sides of the equation:$$a - \frac{5}{8} + \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} + \frac{5}{8}$$
03
Simplify
The left side simplifies to $$a$$ and the right side simplifies as follows:$$a = -\frac{7}{8} + \frac{5}{8}$$Combine the fractions on the right side:$$a = \frac{-7 + 5}{8}$$$$a = -\frac{2}{8}$$$$a = -\frac{1}{4}$$
04
Verify the Solution
Substitute $$ a = -\frac{1}{4} $$ back into the original equation to verify:$$ -\frac{1}{4} - \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} $$First, find a common denominator for the fractions:$$ \frac{-2}{8} - \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} $$Combine the fractions:$$ \frac{-2 - 5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} $$This verifies the solution is correct.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
isolate the variable
When solving a linear equation like $$ a - \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} $$, the main goal is to find the value of the variable, in this case $$ a $$. This process is called isolating the variable. To do this, we need to move everything else to the other side of the equation. Here's how:
- Start by looking at the term with the variable. Here, it's $$ a $$ in $$ a - \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} $$.
- We want the variable alone on one side. So, we need to get rid of $$ -\frac{5}{8} $$. To cancel out this term, we do the opposite operation. Since it's being subtracted, we add $$ \frac{5}{8} $$ to both sides.
- This will give us: $$ a - \frac{5}{8} + \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} + \frac{5}{8} $$.
combining fractions
After isolating the variable, you often need to combine fractions on the other side of the equation. In our example, after isolating $$ a $$, we have: $$ a = -\frac{7}{8} + \frac{5}{8} $$. Here's how to combine fractions:
$$ a = -\frac{2}{8} = -\frac{1}{4} $$. This gives the final simplified value of $$ a $$.
- Ensure the fractions have a common denominator. Here, both have the denominator 8.
- Combine the numerators over this common denominator: $$ a = \frac{-7 + 5}{8} $$.
- Simplify the numerator: $$ -7 + 5 = -2 $$, making the equation: $$ a = \frac{-2}{8} $$.
$$ a = -\frac{2}{8} = -\frac{1}{4} $$. This gives the final simplified value of $$ a $$.
verifying solutions
Once you have a solution, it's important to verify it to ensure it's correct. Our solution was $$ a = -\frac{1}{4} $$. To verify:
- Substitute $$ a = -\frac{1}{4} $$ back into the original equation: $$ -\frac{1}{4} - \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} $$.
- Create a common denominator for the fractions. Here, we use 8: $$ -\frac{1}{4} = -\frac{2}{8} $$, so the equation becomes: $$ -\frac{2}{8} - \frac{5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} $$.
- Combine the fractions: $$ \frac{-2 - 5}{8} = -\frac{7}{8} $$.