Question

Simplify negative 7 and 1 over 8 − negative 9 and 1 over 2 . (5 points)


negative 2 and 3 over 8

negative 16 and 5 over 8

16 and 5 over 8

2 and 3 over 8

Answer 1

To simplify negative 7 and 1/8 - negative 9 and 1/2, first we need to convert both mixed numbers into improper fractions.

Negative 7 and 1/8 is equal to -7 + 1/8 = -56/8 + 1/8 = -55/8.

Negative 9 and 1/2 is equal to -9 + 1/2 = -18/2 + 1/2 = -17/2.

Now that both numbers are in the form of improper fractions, we can subtract them:

-55/8 - (-17/2)
= -55/8 + 17/2

Next, we need to find a common denominator for the fractions -55/8 and 17/2. The least common multiple of 8 and 2 is 8.

Therefore, we need to rewrite -55/8 as an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 8:

-55/8 = -55/8 * (1/1) = -55/8 * (2/2) = -110/16.

Now we can subtract the fractions:

-110/16 + 17/2
= -110/16 + 136/16
= (136 - 110)/16
= 26/16.

Lastly, we can simplify 26/16 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2:

26/16 = (26 ÷ 2) / (16 ÷ 2)
= 13/8.

Therefore, the simplified form of negative 7 and 1/8 - negative 9 and 1/2 is 13/8 or 1 and 5/8.