5-m=3 1/8 how do I work this problem out?
5-m=3 1/8
5 - 3 1/8 = m
1 7/8 = m
5-m=3 1/8
To solve the equation 5 - m = 3 1/8, you'll need to isolate the variable "m" on one side of the equation. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to work out the problem:
1. Start by subtracting 3 from both sides of the equation to get rid of the number on the right side:
5 - m - 3 = 3 1/8 - 3
Simplifying the left side gives us:
2 - m = 3 1/8 - 3
2. Next, we need to convert the mixed number 3 1/8 into an improper fraction. To do this, multiply the whole number (3) by the denominator (8), and then add the numerator (1). Keep this sum over the original denominator:
2 - m = (24 + 1)/8 - 3
Simplifying the fraction gives us:
2 - m = 25/8 - 3
3. Now, we'll need a common denominator to combine the fractions on the right side of the equation. The least common multiple of 8 and 1 is 8. So, we can convert 3 into an equivalent fraction with 8 as the denominator:
2 - m = 25/8 - 3 * 8/8
Simplifying the fraction gives us:
2 - m = 25/8 - 24/8
4. Now that we have a common denominator, we can subtract the fractions on the right side of the equation:
2 - m = (25 - 24)/8
Simplifying the fraction gives us:
2 - m = 1/8
5. Finally, to isolate the variable "m," subtract 2 from both sides of the equation:
-m = 1/8 - 2
Simplifying the right side gives us:
-m = 1/8 - 16/8
Combining the fractions gives us:
-m = (1 - 16)/8
Simplifying the numerator gives us:
-m = -15/8
6. Multiply both sides of the equation by -1 to solve for "m":
m = (-15/8) * -1
Simplifying the right side gives us the final answer:
m = 15/8
So, the solution to the equation 5 - m = 3 1/8 is m = 15/8.