Subtract: 12 1/8 - 9 1/2 =

Rationale

Subtracting 12 1/8 and 9 1/2 results in 2 5/8.

To solve the subtraction problem, we first convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. This allows us to subtract easily, yielding the correct answer of 2 5/8.

A (2 5/8) CORRECT

This is the correct answer. When we convert 12 1/8 to an improper fraction, we get 97/8, and for 9 1/2, we get 19/2 or 76/8. Subtracting these gives us (97/8) - (76/8) = 21/8, which simplifies to 2 5/8.

B (2 1/8) YOUR ANSWER

This choice suggests a smaller result than the actual calculation. If we were to reach 2 1/8, it would imply that the subtraction resulted in a fraction of 17/8, which is incorrect based on our calculations.

C (3 3/8) YOUR ANSWER

Choosing 3 3/8 implies an incorrect addition to the result after subtraction. The addition of 9 1/2 to 3 3/8 would yield a number greater than 12 1/8, which contradicts the original problem of subtracting a larger number from a smaller one.

D (3 5/8) YOUR ANSWER

This answer is also incorrect. Arriving at 3 5/8 would suggest an overshoot in the subtraction process, leading to a misunderstanding of how to handle mixed numbers. The calculation should have clearly shown a result lower than the initial minuend.

Conclusion

To summarize, the subtraction of 12 1/8 and 9 1/2 correctly results in 2 5/8 after proper conversion to improper fractions. The other options reflect miscalculations or misunderstandings of the arithmetic involved in subtracting mixed numbers, reinforcing the importance of careful fraction handling in such problems.

Subtract: 12 1/8 - 9 1/2 =

Subtracting 12 1/8 and 9 1/2 results in 2 5/8.

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