Final answer:
To solve the equation -20 - 3 1/4 = 14 5/8, start by simplifying the mixed number and converting it to an improper fraction. Then, find a common denominator for the fractions and add them. Simplify and multiply both sides by -2 to eliminate the fractions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the equation: -20 - 3 1/4 = 14 5/8, you can start by simplifying the mixed number and converting it to an improper fraction.
-20 can be written as -20/1, so the equation becomes:
-20/1 - 13/4 = 117/8.
Next, find a common denominator for the fractions. The common denominator for 1 and 4 is 4, so the equation becomes:
-80/4 - 13/4 = 117/8.
Now, you can add the fractions:
(-80 - 13)/4 = 117/8.
Simplify:
-93/4 = 117/8.
Finally, multiply both sides by -2 to eliminate the fractions:
-93/4 * -2 = 117/8 * -2.
The final answer is:
186/4 = -234/8.
Simplify:
93/2 = -117/4.