Question

A patient is on a low​ sodium, low fat diet. Three months ago the patient weighed 240 1/8 lb Now the patient weighs 215 5/8lb How many pounds did the patient​ lose?

Answer 1

namely what's 240⅛ - 215⅝.

firstly, let's convert the mixed fractions to improper, and then divide.

$\bf \stackrel{mixed}{240\frac{1}{8}}\implies \cfrac{240\cdot 8+1}{8}\implies \stackrel{improper}{\cfrac{1921}{8}} \\\\\\ \stackrel{mixed}{215\frac{5}{8}}\implies \cfrac{215\cdot 8+5}{8}\implies \stackrel{improper}{\cfrac{1725}{8}} \\\\\\ \cfrac{1921}{8}-\cfrac{1725}{8}\implies \stackrel{\textit{LCD is clearly 8}}{\cfrac{1921-1725}{8}}\implies \cfrac{196}{8}\implies \cfrac{49}{2}\implies 24\frac{1}{2}$

Answer 2

... 34.5 or 34 4/8
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