How do you solve #1/5x+2=3/8#?

1 Answer
Apr 3, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, subtract #color(red)(2)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#1/5x + 2 - color(red)(2) = 3/8 - color(red)(2)#

#1/5x + 0 = 3/8 - (8/8 xx color(red)(2))#

#1/5x = 3/8 - 16/8#

#1/5x = -13/8#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(5)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(5) xx 1/5x = color(red)(5) xx -13/8#

#cancel(color(red)(5)) xx 1/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(5)))x = -65/8#

#1x = -65/8#

#x = -65/8#