3 5/8 - 1 3/4 = [__] [__]/[__]

1 answer

To solve the subtraction of mixed numbers \( 3 \frac{5}{8} - 1 \frac{3}{4} \), we can follow these steps:

  1. Convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions.
  2. Perform the subtraction.
  3. Simplify the result if necessary.

Step 1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

For \( 3 \frac{5}{8} \): \[ 3 \times 8 + 5 = 24 + 5 = 29 \] So, \( 3 \frac{5}{8} = \frac{29}{8} \).

For \( 1 \frac{3}{4} \): \[ 1 \times 4 + 3 = 4 + 3 = 7 \] So, \( 1 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{7}{4} \).

Step 2: Find a common denominator and perform subtraction

The denominators are 8 and 4. The least common denominator (LCD) is 8.

Convert \( \frac{7}{4} \) to have a denominator of 8: \[ \frac{7}{4} = \frac{7 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{14}{8} \]

Now subtract: \[ \frac{29}{8} - \frac{14}{8} = \frac{29 - 14}{8} = \frac{15}{8} \]

Step 3: Convert back to a mixed number if necessary

\(\frac{15}{8}\) can be expressed as a mixed number: \[ 15 \div 8 = 1 \quad \text{(whole number)} \quad \text{remainder } 7 \] So, \[ \frac{15}{8} = 1 \frac{7}{8} \]

Thus, the answer is \( 1 \frac{7}{8} \).

So the answer in the form requested is: \[ 1 \quad 7 \quad 8 \]