We have to make the first value into an improper fraction, which makes 3 3/8 into 27/8. Now we subtract 9 from 27, giving us 18. This 18 is still over the common denominator of 8. 8 goes into 18 twice with 2 left over. So we have our mixed number as 2 2/8, which can be simplified to 2 1/4.
1. Multiply 8 x 3 to find the value of 3 whole lots of eighths. This is 24, or 24/8, since there are 24 eighths. 2. To convert 3 3/8 into an improper fraction, do 24/8 + 3/8 = 27/8. 3. Now you can do 27/8 - 9/8, which is 18/8. 4. 18/8 cancels down to 9/4 if you divide both sides by 2. 5. Now, you can convert your answer into a mixed number by dividing 9 by 4 and putting the remainder over 4. 2 x 4 = 8, so you have two whole fourths and 1/4. Hence, your final answer is 2 1/4.
FYI, if you left your improper fraction as 18/8, you would still yet the same answer, because 2 x 8 = 16 and 18-16 = 2, so you would get 2 2/8, which cancels down to 2 1/4.
