Question

Myles' shoestring was 9 1/4 inches long. A piece broke off and the shoestring is now 7 5/8 inches long. How long is the piece that broke off?

Answer 1

Answer:

  1 5/8 inches

Step-by-step explanation:

It can work out well to subtract integer portions and fractional portions, then combine the results.

  (9 1/4) -(7 5/8) = 9 + 1/4 - 7 - 5/8

  = (9 -7) +(1/4 -5/8)

  = 2 + (2/8 -5/8)

  = 2 -3/8

  = 1 5/8

The piece of Myles' shoestring that broke off is 1 5/8 inches long.