Simplifying Fractions: 1 1/3 - 7/8
In mathematics, fractions are an essential part of our number system. They represent a part of a whole, and understanding how to work with them is crucial for problem-solving. In this article, we will explore how to subtract 7/8 from 1 1/3 and simplify the result.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
Before we dive into the subtraction, let's convert the mixed number 1 1/3 to an improper fraction. To do this, we multiply the whole number part (1) by the denominator (3) and then add the numerator (1).
1 1/3 = (1 × 3) + 1 / 3 = 4 / 3
Now we have an improper fraction, which will make it easier to subtract 7/8.
Subtracting 7/8 from 4/3
To subtract 7/8 from 4/3, we need to find a common denominator. In this case, the least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 8 is 24. We can rewrite both fractions with a denominator of 24:
4/3 = 32/24 7/8 = 21/24
Now we can subtract:
32/24 - 21/24 = 11/24
Simplifying the Result
The result of the subtraction is 11/24. This fraction is already in its simplest form, so we don't need to simplify it further.
Conclusion
Subtracting 7/8 from 1 1/3 can be achieved by converting the mixed number to an improper fraction, finding a common denominator, and then subtracting. The result, 11/24, is a simplified fraction that represents the difference.
