Solve Equations with Fractions: example 4.97

Solve: $a - \frac{5}{9} = - \frac{8}{9} .$

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

Solve: $a - \frac{3}{5} = - \frac{8}{5} .$

How did it go?


Add $\frac{5}{9}$ from each side to undo the addition.
Simplify on each side of the equation.
Simplify the fraction.
Check:
Substitute $a = - \frac{1}{3}$ .
Change to common denominator.
Subtract.


Add $\frac{5}{9}$ from each side to undo the addition.
Simplify on each side of the equation.
Simplify the fraction.
Check:
Substitute $a = - \frac{1}{3}$ .
Change to common denominator.
Subtract.