What is 3 1/4 - 2 7/8

hi Civonamzuk

If it had of gotten down to something like this, then this is what I would do

$$\\97+\frac{1}{4}-\frac{2}{3}\\\\
97+\frac{3}{12}-\frac{4}{12}\\\\
97+\frac{-1}{12}\\\\
96\frac{11}{12}\\\\$$

3 1/4 - 2 7/8 = 3/8

3 1/4 - 2 7/8 = 26/8 - 23/8 = 3/8

Thanks Civonamzuk,

It is really best NOT to change these into improper fractions like that.

This way is better

$$\\3\frac{1}{4}-2\frac{7}{8}\\\\
=3+\frac{1}{4}-2-\frac{7}{8}\\\\
=3-2+\frac{1}{4}-\frac{7}{8}\\\\
=1+\frac{1}{4}-\frac{7}{8}\\\\
=\frac{5}{4}-\frac{7}{8}\\\\
=\frac{10}{8}-\frac{7}{8}\\\\
=\frac{3}{8}\\\\$$

I suppose in this instance it didn't make much difference but often it is much easier :)

You're welcome, Melody! I've never done fractions the way you did.

We all see something new every day here :)  

Well most of us that are interested do anyway :)