Fraction Calculation: 5 1/8 - 2 3/4
In this article, we will perform a simple subtraction operation on two mixed numbers: 5 1/8 and 2 3/4.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To perform subtraction on mixed numbers, we need to convert them to improper fractions first. Here are the conversions:
- 5 1/8 = (5 * 8 + 1) / 8 = 41 / 8
- 2 3/4 = (2 * 4 + 3) / 4 = 11 / 4
Step 2: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM)
To subtract these two improper fractions, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of their denominators, which are 8 and 4. The LCM of 8 and 4 is 8. So, we need to convert the second fraction to have a denominator of 8:
- 11 / 4 = (11 * 2) / (4 * 2) = 22 / 8
Step 3: Perform Subtraction
Now, we can perform subtraction:
- 41 / 8 - 22 / 8 = (41 - 22) / 8 = 19 / 8
Step 4: Convert Back to Mixed Number (Optional)
If we want to convert the result back to a mixed number, we can do so:
- 19 / 8 = 2 3/8
Conclusion
Therefore, the result of 5 1/8 - 2 3/4 is 2 3/8.
