Question

How do you evaluate `-9/17 - 1/2`?

Answer 1

`-35/34 or -1 1/34`

Explanation:

change both fractions to a common denominator then subtract a negative from a negative.

Multiply the first fraction by `2/2` and the second fraction by `17/17` this will create a common multiple or denominator of 34

`- 9/17 xx 2/2 = -18/34`

`-1/2 xx 17/17 = - 17/34`

This gives

`-18/34 - 17/34 = -35/34`

Think about this way - 18 means to go down, - 17 means to go down more, you go down down in a burring ring of fire you go down down down and fire gets higher. a negative and another negative makes a bigger negative.

`-35/34 = -1 1/34`