Question

What is 3 1/2 - 2 7/8=

Answer 1

5/8

Explanation:

3 + 1/2 - 2 - 7/8

⇒ 3 - 2 = 1

1/2 - 7/8 = ?

⇒ 4/8 - 7/8 = -3/8

1 - 3/8 = 5/8

Alternative approach:

7/2 - 23/8(converted mixed numbers to fractions)

(7 × 8) - (23 × 2) ÷ 2 × 8

= 56 - 46 ÷ 16

= 10/16

= 5/8

Answer 2

Explanation:

`= 3 (1)/(2) - 2 (7)/(8) \\`

`= (3 * 2 + 1)/(2) - (2 * 8 + 7)/(8) \\`

`= (7)/(2) - (23)/(8) \\`

Now...find the lcm...

`= (7)/(2) * (4)/(4) - (23)/(8) * (1)/(1) \\`

`= (28)/(8) - (23)/(8) \\`

`= (28 - 23)/(8) \\`

`= (5)/(8) \\`