In order to gather the variables on the same side of the equation, you need to get rid of the parentheses. One way to do that is to divide both sides of the equation by the factor in front of the parentheses. To solve the equation 1/2 (x+9)= 7/8 x start by dividing both sides of the equation by 1/2 . What is the new equation after dividing? Be sure to simplify any remaining fractions.