Question

Simplify -4 1/4 - (9 1/2)

Can anyone elaborate or work this for me step by step so I can learn how to do it?

Answer 1

- 13
`(3)/(4)`

Explanation:

- 4
`(1)/(4)` - 9
`(1)/(2)` ( change mixed numbers to improper fractions )

= -
`(17)/(4)` -
`(19)/(2)` ( multiply numerator/denominator by 2 )

= -
`(17)/(4)` -
`(19(2))/(2(2))`

= -
`(17)/(4)` -
`(38)/(4)` ( add the numerators leaving the common denominator )

=
`(-17-38)/(4)`

=
`(-55)/(4)`

= -
`(55)/(4)`

= - 13
`(3)/(4)`