Question

I am trying to help my son with his homework but I have no Idea on how to solve the problem. If you can please explain step by step how to solve it. (Simplify (4 1/8 + 6 1/4) - 2 1/2 I am lost when it tells me to rename if possible.

Answer 1

(4 1/8 + 6 1/4) - 2 1/2

First find the common denominator of the fractions. In this problem the common denominator is 8.

1/4 = 2/8
1/2 = 4/8

(4 1/8 + 6 2/8) - 2 4/8

10 3/8 - 2 4/8

9 11/8 - 2 4/8 = 7 7/8

Answer 2

Thank you Ms Sue. But how did you get 9 11/8 I'm stuck on that last step

Answer 3

Since we can't take a larger number from a smaller one, we have to borrow from the whole number.

1 = 8/8
10 3/8 = 9 11/8

Answer 4

I would do it this way:

(4 1/8 + 6 1/4) - 2 1/2
first of all, there is no need for the brackets in this case
secondly, I change all my mixed fractions to workable fractions

= 33/8 + 25/4 - 5/2
LCD is 8

= 33/8 + 50/8 - 20/8
= 63/8 or 7 7/8

mixed numbers are "nice" to look at, but totally useless when it comes to doing any real arithmetic with them, especially when it comes to multiplication or division.