Question

find the difference. write your answer as a fraction in simplest form.
$-8\frac{3}{8}-10\frac{1}{6}=\square$

Explanation:

Step1: Convert to improper fractions

$-8\frac{3}{8} = -\frac{8\times8 + 3}{8} = -\frac{67}{8}$; $10\frac{1}{6} = \frac{10\times6 + 1}{6} = \frac{61}{6}$

Step2: Find common denominator

Least common denominator of 8 and 6 is 24.
$-\frac{67}{8} = -\frac{67\times3}{8\times3} = -\frac{201}{24}$; $\frac{61}{6} = \frac{61\times4}{6\times4} = \frac{244}{24}$

Step3: Subtract the fractions

$-\frac{201}{24} - \frac{244}{24} = \frac{-201 - 244}{24}$

Step4: Simplify the numerator

$\frac{-445}{24}$

Step5: Convert to mixed number (optional, but simplest form can be improper)

$-18\frac{13}{24}$ (or keep as improper fraction)

Answer:

$-\frac{445}{24}$ (or $-18\frac{13}{24}$)