Question

Harry walks $\frac{9}{4}miles$ on the straight path. He walks back $\frac{3}{2}miles$ on the same path. What is the distance between Harry's starting point and ending point? (In miles).

• A. $\frac{1}{4}$
  
• B. $\frac{2}{4}$
  
• C. $\frac{3}{4}$
  
• D. 1

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\frac{3}{4}$


Miles walked forward by Harry = $\frac{9}{4}$

Miles walked Backward by Harry = $\frac{3}{2}$

Distance between Harry's starting point and the endpoint.
$=\frac{9}{4}-\frac{3}{2}$

As these are unlike fractions, convert them into the like fractions as follows
$\frac{3}{2}=\frac{3\times 2}{2\times 2}=\frac{6}{4}$

$\therefore \frac{9}{4}-\frac{3}{2}=\frac{9}{4}-\frac{6}{4}$

Now, subtract the two fractions
As the denominators of the fractions are the same, so the numerators can be subtracted directly and the denominator remains the same.

$\therefore \frac{9}{4}-\frac{3}{2}=\frac{9}{4}-\frac{6}{4}$
$=\frac{9-6}{4}$
$=\frac{3}{4}$

The distance between starting point and the ending point is $\frac{3}{4}$ miles