How do you solve #1 7/16 + s = 9/8#?

1 Answer
Jul 16, 2015

#color(red)(s = -5/16)#

Explanation:

#1 7/16 + s = 9/8#

I would multiply both sides of the equation by the lowest common multiple of the denominators.

The lowest common multiple of 16 and 8 is 16.

#16(1 7/16 + s) = 16 × 9/8#

#16×23/16 + 16s = 18#

#23 + 16s = 18#

Subtract 23 from each side,

#23 + 16s -23 = 18-23#

#16s = -5#

Divide both sides by 16.

#(16s)/16 = -5/16#

#s = -5/16#

Check:

#1 7/16 + s = 1 7/16 +(-5/16) = 23/16 -5/16 = 18/16 = 9/8#