Question

Subtract. Simplify, if possible.
3 1/4 - 1 5/8
[__] [__]/[__]

Answer 1

To subtract the mixed numbers \( 3 \frac{1}{4} - 1 \frac{5}{8} \), we first convert them into improper fractions.

1. Convert \( 3 \frac{1}{4} \):
\[
3 \frac{1}{4} = 3 \times 4 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13 \quad \text{so} \quad 3 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{13}{4}
\]

2. Convert \( 1 \frac{5}{8} \):
\[
1 \frac{5}{8} = 1 \times 8 + 5 = 8 + 5 = 13 \quad \text{so} \quad 1 \frac{5}{8} = \frac{13}{8}
\]

Now we have the subtraction in improper fractions:
\[
\frac{13}{4} - \frac{13}{8}
\]

To subtract these fractions, we need a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8 is 8. We convert \(\frac{13}{4}\) to have a denominator of 8:
\[
\frac{13}{4} = \frac{13 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{26}{8}
\]

Now we subtract:
\[
\frac{26}{8} - \frac{13}{8} = \frac{26 - 13}{8} = \frac{13}{8}
\]

Next, we convert \(\frac{13}{8}\) back to a mixed number. To do this, we divide 13 by 8:
\[
13 \div 8 = 1 \quad \text{remainder} \, 5
\]
So,
\[
\frac{13}{8} = 1 \frac{5}{8}
\]

Thus, the answer is:
\[
1 \quad 5/8 \quad \text{or in notation:} \quad [1] [5]/[8]
\]