How do you simplify #-1/8-(-4)#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-08-01T19:41:15

#31/8 = 3 7/8#

When there is "-" in front of a parenthesis, change the sign of each term in the parenthesis if you remove the parenthesis.

#-1/8 - (-4)# becomes #-1/8 + 4#

Then, change #4# into a fraction whose denominator is #8,#

#-1/8 + 4# becomes #-1/8 + 32/8#

Then, calculate

#(-1+32)/8 = 31/8#

Answer 2 · 2017-08-01T20:45:58

#:. 4-1/8 = 3 7/8#

Remove the brackets. (neg x neg = gives a pos)

#-1/8 - (-4)#

#-1/8 +4#

This can also written as #4-1/8#

As a whole number consists of #8/8#, if #1/8# is taken away, there will be #7/8# left.

#:. 4-1/8 = 3 7/8#