Solve 1/4-1/16-1/2

$$\frac { 1 } { 4 } - \frac { 1 } { 16 } - \frac { 1 } { 2 }$$

Evaluate

$$-\frac{5}{16}=-0.3125$$

Solution Steps

Least common multiple of 4 and 16 is 16. Convert \frac{1}{4} and \frac{1}{16} to fractions with denominator 16.

$$\frac{4}{16}-\frac{1}{16}-\frac{1}{2}$$

Since \frac{4}{16} and \frac{1}{16} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{4-1}{16}-\frac{1}{2}$$

Subtract 1 from 4 to get 3.

$$\frac{3}{16}-\frac{1}{2}$$

Least common multiple of 16 and 2 is 16. Convert \frac{3}{16} and \frac{1}{2} to fractions with denominator 16.

$$\frac{3}{16}-\frac{8}{16}$$

Since \frac{3}{16} and \frac{8}{16} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{3-8}{16}$$

Subtract 8 from 3 to get -5.

$$-\frac{5}{16}$$

Factor

$$-\frac{5}{16} = -0.3125$$