Question

debbies chemistry textbook weighs 7/10 of a pound and her geometry textbook weighs 1/2 of a pound. how much more does the chemistry textbook weigh than the geometry textbook? write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number. ____ pounds

Explanation:

Step1: Convert to common denominator

To subtract $\frac{1}{2}$ from $\frac{7}{10}$, rewrite $\frac{1}{2}$ with denominator 10: $\frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{10}$

Step2: Subtract the fractions

Subtract the adjusted fraction from $\frac{7}{10}$: $\frac{7}{10} - \frac{5}{10} = \frac{2}{10}$

Step3: Simplify the result

Reduce $\frac{2}{10}$ to lowest terms: $\frac{2}{10} = \frac{1}{5}$

Answer:

$\frac{1}{5}$ pounds