Question

12 1/2 subtract 5 3/8

Answer 1

Answer: 7 and 1/8

Step-by-step explanation: To subtract mixed numbers such as 8 and 5/16 - 5 and 3/8, we first subtract the fractions.

Notice that 1/2 and 3/8 are unlike fractions so we need a common denominator, which in this case is 8.

Since 1/2 does not have 8 in the denominator, we multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/2 by 4 and we get the equivalent fraction 4/8.

Now we have 12 and 4/8 - 5 and 3/8.

Now, subtract the fractions. So we have 4/8 - 3/8 which is 1/8. Then we subtract the whole numbers. 12 - 5 is 7 so we have 7 and 1/8 as our answer.

Therefore, 12 and 1/2 - 5 and 3/8 is 7 and 1/8.