Question

What is the distance between these two numbers -3 1/4 and 4 1/2
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Answer 1

7 3/4

Explanation:

Method 1:

Step 1: Instead of subtracting you distribute the minus sign to the number in the parenthesis

4 1/2 - (-3 1/4) = 4 1/2 + 3 1/4

Step 2: Then you can just add

4 1/2 + 3 1/4= 7 3/4

Method 2:

If you dont know fractions transfer them into decimals. 1/2 = 0.5 and 1/4 = 0.25

Step 1: Instead of subtracting you distribute the minus sign to the number in the parenthesis

4.5 - (-3.25) = 4.5 + 3.25

Step 2: Add the numbers

4.5 + 3.25= 7.75

Step 3: Convert the decimal back into a fraction

7.75= 7 3/4