Question

While subtracting two mixed fractions, James performed the following steps:

$3\frac{5}{8}-1\frac{1}{4}$

Step 1: Conversion from mixed to improper fraction
$3\frac{5}{8}=\frac{29}{8},1\frac{1}{4}=\frac{5}{4}$

Step 2: Taking the LCM of both the denominators. The LCM of 4 and 8 is 8.

Step 3: Subtraction: $\frac{29}{8}-\frac{5}{4}=\frac{29\times 1-5\times 2}{8}=\frac{19}{8}$

Step 4: Conversion from improper to mixed fraction: $\frac{19}{8}=2\frac{5}{8}$

In which step did he go wrong?

• A. Step 1
• B. Step 2
• C. Step 3
• D. Step 4

Answer 1

The correct option is D Step 4