The sum of two rational numbers is 4 1/4. If one of the numbers is -2 1/2, what is the other number?

A. 6.75
B. -6.75
C. 1 3/4
D. -1 3/4

1 answer

To find the other number, we need to subtract the given number from the sum.

The given number is -2 1/2, which can also be written as -5/2.

To add these numbers, we need a common denominator. The common denominator of 4 1/4 and -5/2 is 4.

4 1/4 is equivalent to 17/4.

Therefore, the sum is 17/4 - 5/2.

To subtract fractions with the same denominator, we subtract the numerators: 17 - 10 = 7.

The denominator remains the same: 4.

So, the sum of the two rational numbers is 7/4.

To convert this to a mixed number, we divide 7 by 4.

Quotient: 7 รท 4 = 1 with a remainder of 3.

The mixed number is 1 3/4.

Therefore, the other number is 1 3/4.

The answer is C. 1 3/4.