Question

solve $-a - \frac{5}{8} = \frac{3}{5}$ for $a$.\
\bigcirc $a = \frac{49}{40}$\
\bigcirc $a = -\frac{49}{40}$\
\bigcirc $a = \frac{1}{40}$\
\bigcirc $a = -\frac{1}{40}$

Explanation:

Step1: Add $\frac{5}{8}$ to both sides

To isolate the term with \(a\), we add \(\frac{5}{8}\) to both sides of the equation \(-a - \frac{5}{8}=\frac{3}{5}\). This gives us \(-a=\frac{3}{5}+\frac{5}{8}\).

Step2: Find a common denominator and add

The common denominator of 5 and 8 is 40. So we rewrite the fractions: \(\frac{3}{5}=\frac{24}{40}\) and \(\frac{5}{8}=\frac{25}{40}\). Then we add them: \(\frac{24}{40}+\frac{25}{40}=\frac{49}{40}\). So now we have \(-a = \frac{49}{40}\).

Step3: Multiply both sides by -1

To solve for \(a\), we multiply both sides of the equation \(-a=\frac{49}{40}\) by -1. This gives us \(a=-\frac{49}{40}\).

Answer:

B. \(a = -\frac{49}{40}\)