Question

Joey walked east for 15 2/3 meters from home. Then, he walked west for 21 3/4 meters. How far was Joey from home? Write your answer as a mixed number only

Answer 1

To find the distance, we need to subtract the distance Joey walked west from the distance Joey walked east.

Distance = (15 2/3) - (21 3/4)

First, let's convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.
15 2/3 = (3 * 15 + 2) / 3 = (45 + 2) / 3 = 47 / 3
21 3/4 = (4 * 21 + 3) / 4 = (84 + 3) / 4 = 87 / 4

Now we can substitute these values back into the equation.
Distance = (47/3) - (87/4)

To subtract fractions, we need to have a common denominator.
The least common multiple of 3 and 4 is 12.

Distance = (47/3)(4/4) - (87/4)(3/3)
Distance = 188/12 - 261/12

Now we can subtract.
Distance = (188 - 261) / 12
Distance = -73 / 12

The distance Joey was from home was -73/12 meters.