If these are mixed numbers, which I believe they are from the context, then the first step is to convert each mixed number into an improper fraction. 2 = 16/8 (sixteen eighths) 16/8 + 3/8 = 19/8 1 = 8/8 (eight eighths) 8/8 + 7/8 = 16/8 Then just subtract these improper fractions: When subtracting fractions, only subtract the numerators. 19/8 - 16/8 = 3/8 (three eighths) So the answer is three eighths (3/8)