help solve equation: -5/8w = -9

I am having trouble (OK I failed the test and mom is making me re-do the ones I missed) I missed it because I totally don't get it:

. . .Solve -5/8w = -9

I think I would start by dividing the -5/8 on both sides, but then what?

. . .w = -9/(-5/8)

But that doesn't look right.

You should have learned about reciprocals and inverses and other useful processes to help in this effort.

You can divide if you like, but most folks probably think it's easier to multiply both sides by the reciprocal of the thing stuck to your "w". Multiply BOTH SIDES by -8/5 and see what you get.

skciv said:

Solve -5/8w = -9

Click to expand...

By the above equation, do you mean either of the following?

. . . . .\(\displaystyle \L -\,\frac{5}{8w}\,=\,-9\)

. . . . .\(\displaystyle \L -\,\frac{5}{8}w\,=\,-9\)

Or something else?

Thank you.

Eliz.