To simplify this expression, we first need to use our knowledge that subtraction of a negative is the same as addition. This is because two of the same sign in a row yield the opposite sign. This is modeled below:
- 5 1/4 - ( - 7 1/2)
- 5 1/4 + 7 1/2
We can also rearrange this so that it is a subtraction problem by changing addition of a negative to subtraction.
7 1/2 - 5 1/4
Next, we need to make both of our fractions into improper fractions so that they are easier to add together. To do this, we should multiply the denominator by the unit value (the whole number) and add the numerator.
7 1/2 - 5 1/4
15/2 - 21/4
Next, we have to find a common denominator for the two fractions so that we can subtract them. To do this, we can multiply the first fraction by 2/2 (which is equivalent to 1), which will make it also have a denominator of 4.
15/2 - 21/4
30/4 - 21/4
Now, this is simple subtraction with a common denominator so we can just subtract the numerators and keep the same denominator.
30/4 - 21/4 = 9/4
Therefore, your answer is 9/4 or 2 1/4.
Hope this helps!