Example

Solving x58=34x - \frac{5}{8} = \frac{3}{4} Using the Addition Property

To solve x58=34x - \frac{5}{8} = \frac{3}{4}, the goal is to isolate xx by undoing the subtraction of 58\frac{5}{8}. Apply the Addition Property of Equality by adding 58\frac{5}{8} to both sides:

x58+58=34+58x - \frac{5}{8} + \frac{5}{8} = \frac{3}{4} + \frac{5}{8}

On the left side, 58+58=0-\frac{5}{8} + \frac{5}{8} = 0, leaving just xx. On the right side, the fractions 34\frac{3}{4} and 58\frac{5}{8} have different denominators, so find the least common denominator (LCD) of 44 and 88, which is 88. Rewrite 34\frac{3}{4} as the equivalent fraction 68\frac{6}{8}:

x=68+58=118x = \frac{6}{8} + \frac{5}{8} = \frac{11}{8}

To verify, substitute 118\frac{11}{8} back into the original equation:

11858=68=34\frac{11}{8} - \frac{5}{8} = \frac{6}{8} = \frac{3}{4}

Since 34=34\frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{4} is a true statement, x=118x = \frac{11}{8} is confirmed as the correct solution.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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