How do you evaluate #(\frac { - 3} { 4} ) ^ { 2} - \frac { 11} { 8}#?

1 Answer
May 13, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, evaluate the term on the left:

#((-3)/4)^2 - 11/8 => (-3)^2/4^2 - 11/8 =>#

#9/16 - 11/8#

Next, get the two fractions over common denominators so they can be subtracted:

#9/16 - (2/2 xx 11/8) => 9/16 - 22/16#

Now, subtract the numerators over the common denominator:

#(9 - 22)/16 => -13/16#