First you can write the first number as a fraction
15 = 15/1
then convert the second mixed number into a fraction as well. 7 5/8 1. multiply whole number by denominator: 7 * 8 = 56 2. add numerator to product from #1: 56 + 5 = 61 3. place number from #2 above the original denominator: 61/8 7 5/8 = 61/8
when adding or subtracting fractions, they must have a common denominator to make both fractions have a common denominator, you can multiply 15/1 by 8 8(15/1) = 120/8
now that the denominators are the same, you can subtract the fractions, but only the numerator should be subtracted and the denominator stays the same
120/8 - 61/8 = 59/8
the fraction cannot be reduced any more than it already is so the answer would be 59/8 or if you want to write it as a mixed number it is 7 3/8
In order to solve this problem, you must first make sure both fractions have the same denominator. In this instance, you have both a fraction and a whole number. This actually makes it easier, since 15 can also be 14 8/8 which satisfies the need for the same denominator. New expression: 14 8/8 - 7 5/8 Subtract the whole numbers 14 - 7 = 7 subtract the numerators 8 - 5 = 3 Answer is 7 3/8
