Solve Mixed Number Subtraction: 7¼ - 3½ Step-by-Step

To solve the subtraction of the mixed numbers $7\frac{1}{4} - 3\frac{2}{4}$, we follow these steps:

• Step 1: Subtract the whole numbers:
  $7 - 3 = 4$.
• Step 2: Subtract the fractions:
  $\frac{1}{4} - \frac{2}{4}$ results in $\frac{-1}{4}$, because the numerators give $1 - 2 = -1$.
• Step 3: Combine these results, we initially have $4\frac{-1}{4}$. Since we can't leave a negative fraction in this form, we adjust by borrowing 1 from the whole number:
• Convert $1$ (borrowed from 4) into $\frac{4}{4}$ which combines with the fraction: $\frac{4}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$.
• Step 4: Adjusting the whole number:
  Remove 1 from 4 to account for the adjustment: $4 - 1 = 3$.

Therefore, combining these parts, the mixed number resulting from the subtraction is $3\frac{3}{4}$.

Thus, the final result is $3\frac{3}{4}$.