[SPLIT] how does '9 2/8' become '8 10/8'?

Leslie

New member
Joined
Jul 20, 2006
Messages
6
Hi :D

Sorry if I'm in the wrong spot with my question. Can anyone explain the following to me?

When you are subtracting mixed fractions -- for example, 9 1/4 - 8 5/8 -- I understand that you have to have the same domoninator -- which, in this case, is 8. What I came up with was 9 2/8 - 8 5/8. I also understand that you have to borrow from the 9 which make it an 8. But what I don't understand is how do they get the 2/8 to 10/8. I hope I didn't confuse everyone on the board as much as I'm confused.
Please can anyone help me?

Thank you,
Leslie
 
9 1/4 - 8 5/8 =

your 1st step is correct ... common denominator

9 2/8 - 8 5/8 =

now, think of 9 as 8 8/8 (because 8/8 is 1, correct?). the 8 8/8 combined with the additional 2/8 gives you 8 10/8.

now you can do the subtraction ...

8 10/8 - 8 5/8 = 5/8
 
skeeter said:
9 1/4 - 8 5/8 =

your 1st step is correct ... common denominator

9 2/8 - 8 5/8 =

now, think of 9 as 8 8/8 (because 8/8 is 1, correct?). the 8 8/8 combined with the additional 2/8 gives you 8 10/8.

now you can do the subtraction ...

8 10/8 - 8 5/8 = 5/8

Thank you so much Skeeter, I have been working on this for days. I gave myself a headache. I very much appreciate your help.
Leslie
 
Top