Answer:
(a) -20 1/2
Step-by-step explanation:
The proportion can be solved using "cross multiply" as the first step. This eliminates the fractions and turns it into a linear equation.
2/7 = -5/(x +3) . . . . . given
2(x +3) = -35 . . . . . . multiply by 7(x +3)
2x = -41 . . . . . . . . . simplify, subtract 6
x = -20 1/2 . . . . . . divide by 2