Solve 3/8-7/4+2/16

$$\frac { 3 } { 8 } - \frac { 7 } { 4 } + \frac { 2 } { 16 }$$

Evaluate

$$-\frac{5}{4}=-1.25$$

Solution Steps

Least common multiple of 8 and 4 is 8. Convert \frac{3}{8} and \frac{7}{4} to fractions with denominator 8.

$$\frac{3}{8}-\frac{14}{8}+\frac{2}{16}$$

Since \frac{3}{8} and \frac{14}{8} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{3-14}{8}+\frac{2}{16}$$

Subtract 14 from 3 to get -11.

$$-\frac{11}{8}+\frac{2}{16}$$

Reduce the fraction \frac{2}{16} to lowest terms by extracting and canceling out 2.

$$-\frac{11}{8}+\frac{1}{8}$$

Since -\frac{11}{8} and \frac{1}{8} have the same denominator, add them by adding their numerators.

$$\frac{-11+1}{8}$$

Add -11 and 1 to get -10.

$$\frac{-10}{8}$$

Reduce the fraction \frac{-10}{8} to lowest terms by extracting and canceling out 2.

$$-\frac{5}{4}$$

Factor

$$-\frac{5}{4} = -1\frac{1}{4} = -1.25$$