Question

Toby wrote the following:

7 1/4 - 3 3/4 = 4 2/4 = 4 1/2

Is Toby’s calculation correct? Draw a number line to support your answer.

Answer 1

Explanation:

The given expression is

`7(1)/(4)-3(3)/(4)=4(2)/(4)=4(1)/(2)`

We can rewrite the expression as

`(29)/(4)- (15)/(4)= (18)/(4)= (9)/(2)`

When we subtract expressions on the left

`(29-15)/(4)=(14)/(4)`

While Toby's result after solving this is
`(18)/(4)`

Therefore, Toby has done a mistake in this step.

`7(1)/(4)-3(3)/(4)=3(2)/(4)=3(1)/(2)` will be the answer.