How do you evaluate #\frac { 1} { 2} + ( - \frac { 13} { 8} )#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-02-03T05:12:43

#1/2 + (-13/8)# simplifies to #-9/8#, or may be expressed as #-1 1/8#

Start by reducing the number of signs in the expression:

#1/2 + (-13/8) = 1/2 - 13/8#

Then find the LCD and convert all the terms to have the common denominator:

#1/2 -13/8 = 4/8 - 13/8#

Perform the addition or subtraction:

#(4 - 13)/8= -9/8 #

#= -1 1/8#