Solve & check your solution ( if checking isn't possible, explain why )
5x/4 + 1/2 = x - 1/2
Multiply both sides by 4.
5x + 2 = 4x - 2
Subtract 2 and 4x from both sides of the equation.
x = -4
Check.
5(-4)/4 + 1/2 = -4 -1/2
-5 + 1/2 = -4.5
-4.5 = -4.5