Subtract: 15 3 / 8 – 11 1/ 5 Write the answer in simplest form
Choose the best answer from the options below:
A 1 67/40
B 3 7/10
C 4 7/40
D 4 2/3
To subtract mixed fractions, we need to find a common denominator. The common denominator here is 40.
15 3/8 can be rewritten as 15 15/40 (because 8 multiplied by 5 is 40).
11 1/5 can be rewritten as 11 8/40 (because 5 multiplied by 8 is 40).
Now let's subtract the fractions:
15 15/40 - 11 8/40 = 4 7/40
Therefore, the answer is C) 4 7/40.
To subtract mixed numbers, you need to convert them into improper fractions, then subtract the fractions and the whole numbers separately.
Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.
15 3/8 = (15 * 8 + 3) / 8 = 123/8
11 1/5 = (11 * 5 + 1) / 5 = 56/5
Step 2: Subtract the fractions.
123/8 - 56/5
To subtract fractions with different denominators, you need to find a common denominator.
The common denominator for 8 and 5 is 40.
Step 3: Rewrite the fractions with the common denominator.
123/8 = (123 * 5) / (8 * 5) = 615/40
56/5 = (56 * 8) / (5 * 8) = 448/40
Step 4: Subtract the fractions.
615/40 - 448/40 = (615 - 448) / 40 = 167/40
Step 5: Write the answer in simplest form.
167/40 can be simplified to 4 7/40.
The answer is C) 4 7/40.