PROBLEM: If x–4 is to x+1 as −5 is to 3, Find x

So: x-4 over x+1 = -5 over 3
Cross multiply: -5(x+1) = 3(x+4)
Get: -5x-5=3x+12 8x-5=12 8x=17

I keep on getting X=17/8 but apparently the answer is 7/8. What am I doing wrong?

Question

PROBLEM: If x–4 is to x+1 as −5 is to 3, Find x

So: x-4 over x+1 = -5 over 3 
Cross multiply: -5(x+1) = 3(x+4)
Get: -5x-5=3x+12  >  8x-5=12  >  8x=17

I keep on getting X=17/8 but apparently the answer is 7/8. What am I doing wrong?

anonymous · Answer

the problem is right here

Cross multiply: -5(x+1) = 3(x+4)

anonymous · Answer

for some reason you changed (x-4) into (x+4)

anonymous · Answer

unless that is just a typo

anonymous · Answer

I JUST noticed that. Head/desk. Re-doing the problem now. Geez.

anonymous · Answer

hahaha yep, gotta love those small mistakes...

anonymous · Answer

So now I feel terribly stupid. Haha. Sorry about that, and thanks for pointing it out!