Simplifying Mixed Numbers: 3 1/4 - 1 7/8 as a Fraction
When working with mixed numbers, it's essential to understand how to simplify and perform arithmetic operations on them. In this article, we'll explore how to subtract 1 7/8 from 3 1/4 and express the result as a fraction.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To simplify the subtraction process, let's first convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions:
- 3 1/4 = (3 × 4) + 1 = 13/4
- 1 7/8 = (1 × 8) + 7 = 15/8
Step 2: Subtract the Fractions
Now, we can subtract the fractions:
13/4 - 15/8 = ?
To subtract fractions with different denominators, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8, which is 8. Then, we can convert the first fraction to have a denominator of 8:
13/4 = (13 × 2) / (4 × 2) = 26/8
Now, we can subtract:
26/8 - 15/8 = 11/8
The Result as a Mixed Number
To express the result as a mixed number, we can divide the numerator by the denominator:
11 ÷ 8 = 1 with a remainder of 3
So, the result is:
1 3/8
Conclusion
In conclusion, 3 1/4 - 1 7/8 is equal to 1 3/8. By following the steps outlined above, we can simplify mixed numbers and perform arithmetic operations on them. Remember to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions, find the least common multiple, and simplify the result to get the final answer.
