SOLUTION: Dear pre-algebra helper/tutor people, For my homework, I am stuck on one problem. Neither my grandmother or my mom can get it. I know some possible soultions, but am not sure.

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: Dear pre-algebra helper/tutor people, For my homework, I am stuck on one problem. Neither my grandmother or my mom can get it. I know some possible soultions, but am not sure.       Log On


   

Question 57676: Dear pre-algebra helper/tutor people,
For my homework, I am stuck on one problem. Neither my grandmother or my mom can get it. I know some possible soultions, but am not sure. Here is the problem:
-2/3 - 1/6 = ????
I found the reciprocal of -2/3 which is 3/2 right?, and then it would be positive? so 3/2 - 1/6, you find the common denominators, which makes it 9/6 - 1/6 = 8/6 which = 1 2/6 which = 1 1/3
So my final answer that i could figure out was 1 1/3. Is this right or not??
there was also the problem:
3/8 x (-2/5) =??? ? I was wondering if the same rules apply (about the reciprocals ect) does it aply here?
I really appreicate it if you reply to this ASAP, as my homework is due tommorow (10/24)!!!!!
Thanks a bunch,
Confused Pre Algebra Girl
Answer by funmath(2933) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Dear Confused Pre-algebra girl, Mom, and Grandma,
If you typed this right, it sounds like you're trying to divide when you're supposed to be adding negative fractions.
-2%2F3+-+1%2F6 = ???? In order to add or subtract fractions you need a common denominator. In this case the smallest number that both 3 and 6 divide evenly into is 6. What ever you do to the denominator to get 6 you also do to the numerator.
-2%2A2%2F%283%2A2%29-1%2F6=
-4%2F6-1%2F6= Now that the denominators are the same you can combine the numerators.
%28-4-1%29%2F6= both 4 and 1 are negative, so add the numbers and keep the sign.
highlight%28-5%2F6%29
Happy Calculating, You Guys!!!