Compute 5 7/8 minus 5 1/8.

• A. 1/2
• B. 7/8
• C. 1/4
• D. 3/4

Answer: (D)

Subtracting mixed numbers with the same whole part is all about the fractional parts. Since both numbers have 5 as the whole part, focus on 7/8 minus 1/8. They share the same denominator, so subtract the numerators: 7 − 1 = 6, giving 6/8. This fraction simplifies by dividing top and bottom by 2 to 3/4. Because 7/8 is larger than 1/8, no borrowing is needed, and the whole parts cancel, leaving 3/4 as the result.