Solve: -4/16 - (-3/8) + 2/8 + (-1/4) | Mixed Fraction Operations

Fraction Operations with Mixed Signs

Solve:

416(38)+28+(14)= -\frac{4}{16}-(-\frac{3}{8})+\frac{2}{8}+(-\frac{1}{4})=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:12 Let's solve this problem together.
00:16 Remember, a negative number times a negative number is always positive.
00:24 A positive number times a negative number results in a negative number.
00:34 Now, let's reduce the fraction by dividing by 4.
00:41 Next, let's add these fractions together.
01:03 We'll multiply the fraction by 2 to find a common denominator.
01:20 Now, let's add all the fractions to see what we get.
01:33 And that's how we find the solution to our question.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve:

416(38)+28+(14)= -\frac{4}{16}-(-\frac{3}{8})+\frac{2}{8}+(-\frac{1}{4})=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem, we will follow these steps:

  • Simplify each fraction where possible.
  • Find a common denominator for all fractions.
  • Convert each fraction to have this common denominator.
  • Perform the required operations: subtraction and addition.

Let's begin solving the problem:

Step 1: Simplify each fraction.
- 416-\frac{4}{16} simplifies to 14-\frac{1}{4} since both numerator and denominator can be divided by 4.
- The fractions (38)-(-\frac{3}{8}), 28\frac{2}{8}, and 14-\frac{1}{4} are already in their simplest forms.

Step 2: Find the common denominator.
The denominators are 4 and 8. The least common denominator (LCD) is 8.

Step 3: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with this common denominator:
- 14-\frac{1}{4} becomes 28-\frac{2}{8} because 14×22=28\frac{1}{4} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{2}{8}.
- (38)-(-\frac{3}{8}) simplifies to 38\frac{3}{8} (due to subtracting a negative, which makes it positive).
- 28\frac{2}{8} remains unchanged, as it already has the common denominator.
- 14-\frac{1}{4} becomes 28-\frac{2}{8} for the same reason as above.

Step 4: Perform the operations:
28+38+2828-\frac{2}{8} + \frac{3}{8} + \frac{2}{8} - \frac{2}{8}.

Adding and subtracting these fractions with a common denominator:
- Combine them as (2+3+22)/8=1/8(-2 + 3 + 2 - 2)/8 = 1/8.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 18 \frac{1}{8} .

3

Final Answer

18 \frac{1}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert all fractions to common denominator before adding/subtracting
  • Technique: Change -(-3/8) to +3/8 when removing double negative
  • Check: Verify (-2+3+2-2)/8 = 1/8 by combining numerators ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to handle double negatives correctly
    Don't leave -(-3/8) as -3/8 = wrong sign throughout! This makes your final answer negative instead of positive. Always change -(-x) to +x when subtracting negative numbers.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{4}= \)\( \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does -(-3/8) become positive 3/8?

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When you subtract a negative number, it's the same as adding that number! Think of it as: minus a negative equals plus. So -(-3/8) = +3/8.

Do I need to simplify fractions before finding the common denominator?

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Yes! Always simplify first, like changing 416 \frac{4}{16} to 14 \frac{1}{4} . This makes finding the LCD much easier and reduces calculation errors.

How do I find the LCD when denominators are 4, 8, and 16?

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List the multiples of each denominator and find the smallest common one. For 4, 8, and 16: the LCD is 16 because it's divisible by all three.

What if my final answer can be simplified further?

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Always check if your answer is in lowest terms! For example, if you get 216 \frac{2}{16} , simplify it to 18 \frac{1}{8} by dividing both numerator and denominator by their GCD.

Can I work left to right instead of finding a common denominator?

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Not recommended! Working left to right with different denominators creates more complex fractions. Converting to a common denominator first makes the addition and subtraction much simpler.

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