Question

A birdbath is filled to the top. On Day 1, the volume of water in the bowl decreases by 7/8 cup. On Day 2, the volume in the bowl decreases by 3/4 cup. What number represents the total change in the volume of water in the bowl after two days? Write your answer as a mixed number.

Answer 1

-1 5/8

Explanation:

Let the total amount in the bowl be x;

If on Day 1, the volume of water in the bowl decreases by 7/8 cup, the remaining water will be;

x - 7/8

If on day 2, the volume in the bowl decreases by 3/4 cup, the remaining volume of water after the second day will be;

= x - 7/8 - 3/4

= x - (7-2(3))/8

= x - (7+6)/8

= x - 13/8

This shows that the total change after the two days is -13/8

As a mixed fraction;

-13/8 = -1 5/8