Compute 3 3/4 minus 1 1/4.

• A. 2
• B. 2 1/4
• C. 2 1/2
• D. 3

Answer: (C)

Subtracting mixed numbers involves handling the whole-number parts and the fractional parts separately, then putting the pieces back together. For 3 3/4 minus 1 1/4, subtract the whole numbers: 3 minus 1 equals 2. Then subtract the fractions: 3/4 minus 1/4 equals 2/4, which simplifies to 1/2. Combine to get 2 1/2. You can also see this by converting to improper fractions: 3 3/4 is 15/4 and 1 1/4 is 5/4, and 15/4 minus 5/4 is 10/4 = 2 1/2. Or in decimals, 3.75 minus 1.25 equals 2.5, which is the same as 2 1/2.