Question

Solve. 3 1/4 - 1 5/8

Answer 1

Step 1. Convert 3 1/4 to an improper fraction.

3 * 4 + 1/4 - 1 5/8

Step 2. Simplify 3 * 4 to 12

12 + 1/4 - 1 5/8

Step 3. Simplify 12 + 1 to 13

13/4 - 1 5/8

Step 4. Convert 1 5/8 to an improper fraction.

13/4 - 1 * 8 + 5/8

Step 5. Simplify 1 * 8 to 8

13/4 - 8 + 5/8

Step 6. Simplify 8 + 5 to 13

13/4 - 13/8

Step 7. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of 13/4, 13/8

LCD = 8

Step 8. Make the denominators the same as the LCD

13 * 2/ 4 * 2 - 13/8

Step 9. Simplify. Denominators are now the same

26/8 - 13/8

Step 10. Join the denominators

26 - 13/8

Step 11. Simplify

13/8

Step 12. Convert to a mixed fraction

1 5/8

Answer 2

Get a common denominator for each fraction (it is 8)

 3  2/8

- 1   5/8

Then you need to borrow from the whole number (8/8)

 2  10/8

-1    5/8

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1     5/8