A piece of wood is 8 and 7/8 in. long is cut a piece 45 1/2 in. long. If 1/16 is wasted for the cut, how much wood is left.

Oh thanks

45 1/2 - 8 15/16 = 44 20/16 - 8 15/16 = 36 5/16

At the back of the book it said it was 36 9/16

Thanks. I see my error.

45 1/2 = 44 24/16

Why did you change it to 44 24/16 If i may ask?

To subtract a larger fraction from a smaller fraction, we change the smaller fraction to a different whole number with a larger fraction. Then, of course, both fractions must have a common denominator.

45 1/2 = 44 3/2 = 44 24/16

Thanks ! :)

Also how did it become 8 15/16? Wouldnt it become 8 14/16?

I added 1/16 to 8 14/16 to account for the 1/16 inch waste.

You're welcome.