Answer:
I do not know if that x is a multiply sign or a variable so I'm going to answer both
If the x is a multiplication sign then the answer is -20 = -9
If the x is a variable then the answer is x = -2
Step-by-step explanation:
1/2(5 * -8) = -9
(1 * 5 * -8)/2 = -9
(5 * -8)/2 = -9
-40/2 = -9
-20 = -9
-20 ≠ -9
1/2(5x - 8) = -9
1(5x -8)/2 = -9
(5x - 8)/2 = -9
2((5x - 8)/2) = -9 * 2
2(5x - 8)/2 = -9 * 2
5x - 8 = -9 * 2
5x - 8 = -18
+8 +8
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5x = -10
x = -10/5
x = -2