Find a common denominator for the fractions, which is 8.
Convert 2 1 to 8 4 .
Subtract the fractions: 8 7 − 8 4 = 8 3 .
The final answer is 8 3 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are asked to subtract two fractions: 8 7 and 2 1 . To do this, we need to find a common denominator.
Finding the Common Denominator The least common denominator (LCD) of 8 and 2 is 8. We need to express both fractions with this denominator.
Converting the Fractions The first fraction, 8 7 , already has the desired denominator. The second fraction, 2 1 , needs to be converted. To do this, we multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 4: 2 1 = 2 × 4 1 × 4 = 8 4
Subtracting the Fractions Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can subtract them: 8 7 − 8 4 = 8 7 − 4 = 8 3
Final Answer The resulting fraction, 8 3 , is already in its simplest form. Therefore, the final answer is 8 3 .
Examples
Fractions are used in everyday life, such as when cooking, measuring ingredients, or splitting a pizza. For example, if you have a pizza cut into 8 slices and you eat 1/2 of the pizza, you have eaten 4/8 of the pizza. If you then eat another 1/8 of the pizza, you have eaten a total of 5/8 of the pizza, and there are 3/8 of the pizza remaining.
To subtract the fractions 8 7 and 2 1 , we find a common denominator of 8. Converting 2 1 to 8 4 allows us to subtract and get an answer of 8 3 . The final answer is 8 3 .
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