Define the equation

Let the unknown number be x. Translating the problem statement into a mathematical equation gives the expression shown.

$\frac{1}{2} \times (x - \frac{1}{2}) = \frac{1}{8}$

Isolate the bracket term

Multiply both sides by 2 to eliminate the leading fraction.

$x - \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{8} \times 2 = \frac{1}{4}$

Solve for x

Add 1/2 to both sides of the equation. To add fractions, find a common denominator.

$x = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$