SOLUTION: I'm 52, with a grade school math level trying to get up to near high school level before I enter college this fall. Trying to learn fractions, and do ok now with add, subtract, mul

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: I'm 52, with a grade school math level trying to get up to near high school level before I enter college this fall. Trying to learn fractions, and do ok now with add, subtract, mul      Log On


   

Question 773133: I'm 52, with a grade school math level trying to get up to near high school level before I enter college this fall. Trying to learn fractions, and do ok now with add, subtract, multiply and divide (whether mixed or improper or proper). HOWEVER, I am completely stumped when it comes to positive and negative numbers with fractions. I realize this must be a very easy answer for you, but here's an example, and I need to understand EACH STEP of the way, since how I've been doing it when all positive numbers isn't coming up with the correct answer.
(-3 5/8) - 4 2/5 = ?
I've got one source that says the answer is -8 1/40 and another that claims -7 9/40 is correct. My own answers vary greatly as I'm totally confused.
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20055) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(-3 5/8) + 4 2/5
-3%265%2F8%22%22%2B%22%224%262%2F5

They have different signs so we subtract them and take the sign
of the one which has the largest absolute value:

  4%262%2F5%22%22=%22%22 4%2616%2F40%22%22=%22%22 3%2656%2F40
 -3%265%2F8%22%22=%22%22-3%2625%2F40%22%22=%22%22-3%2625%2F40
-----------------
              31%2F40                      

Edwin