There are two possible ways to solve this; ill add them both, and whichever way is convenient to you, JUST USE IT!
1st way: (I consider this way) Change the mixed numbers into improper fractions. <span>7⅞ - 3¼ = 63/8 - 13/4 </span>
<span>give the fractions a common denominator </span> <span>63/8 - (2)*13/4*(2) = 63/8 - 26/8 </span> <span>= 37/8 </span>
<span>change the improper fraction to a mixed number </span> <span>37/8 = 4⅝ </span> 2nd way: I like to write the numbers above each other: <span>7 7/8 </span> <span>3 1/4 </span> <span>-------- </span>
<span>For the fractions, you need to have the same denominator (8), so convert 1/4 to 2/8. </span> <span>7 7/8 </span> <span>3 (2)*1/4*(2) </span>⇒ 3 2/8 <span>-------- </span>
<span>Now subtract the fractions and the whole numbers separately. Fortunately there is no need to borrow, so this step is very easy: </span> <span> 7 7/8 </span> <span>-3 2/8 </span> <span>-------- </span> <span>4 5/8 </span>
