$\frac{-3}{8}+\frac{1}{8}=$
F. $\frac{1}{4}$
G. $-\frac{1}{4}$
H. $-\frac{1}{2}$
J. $\frac{1}{2}$
K. None of these
Answer (1)
Add the numerators since the fractions have a common denominator: 8 − 3 + 1 .
Simplify the numerator: 8 − 2 .
Reduce the fraction to its simplest form: 4 − 1 .
The correct answer is − 4 1 .
Explanation
Understanding the problem We are asked to evaluate the sum of two fractions: 8 − 3 + 8 1 . The possible answers are F) 4 1 , G) − 4 1 , H) − 2 1 , J) 2 1 , K) None of these.
Adding the fractions Since the fractions have a common denominator, we can add the numerators: 8 − 3 + 8 1 = 8 − 3 + 1 .
Simplifying the numerator Now, simplify the numerator: 8 − 3 + 1 = 8 − 2 .
Reducing the fraction Reduce the fraction to its simplest form by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2: 8 − 2 = 8 ÷ 2 − 2 ÷ 2 = 4 − 1 .
Finding the answer Comparing the simplified fraction to the given options, we see that the correct answer is G) − 4 1 .
Examples
Fractions are used in everyday life, such as when calculating proportions in recipes, determining discounts while shopping, or understanding time divisions. For example, if a recipe calls for 4 1 cup of sugar and you want to make half the recipe, you need to calculate half of 4 1 , which is 8 1 . Understanding how to add and subtract fractions helps in these practical situations.
