step-by-step explanation: 1/4x = -5/8 first divide 1/4 over the equal sign to get rid of x 1/4x = -5/8 /1/4 /1/4 then multiply by the reciprocal by flipping the numerator and denominator on the second fraction -5/8 • 4/1 multiply -20/8 simplify x = -2 1/2