Solve 31/4-51/8

$$3 \frac { 1 } { 4 } - 5 \frac { 1 } { 8 }$$

Evaluate

$$-\frac{15}{8}=-1.875$$

Solution Steps

Multiply 3 and 4 to get 12.

$$\frac{12+1}{4}-\frac{5\times 8+1}{8}$$

Add 12 and 1 to get 13.

$$\frac{13}{4}-\frac{5\times 8+1}{8}$$

Multiply 5 and 8 to get 40.

$$\frac{13}{4}-\frac{40+1}{8}$$

Add 40 and 1 to get 41.

$$\frac{13}{4}-\frac{41}{8}$$

Least common multiple of 4 and 8 is 8. Convert \frac{13}{4} and \frac{41}{8} to fractions with denominator 8.

$$\frac{26}{8}-\frac{41}{8}$$

Since \frac{26}{8} and \frac{41}{8} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{26-41}{8}$$

Subtract 41 from 26 to get -15.

$$-\frac{15}{8}$$

Factor

$$-\frac{15}{8} = -1\frac{7}{8} = -1.875$$