Question

when babies are born, their lengths are recorded. maddy is 18\frac{1}{2} inches. her twin, alex, is 20\frac{3}{4} inches. how much longer than maddy is alex?

inches

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed - numbers to improper fractions

$18\frac{1}{2}=\frac{18\times2 + 1}{2}=\frac{37}{2}$ and $20\frac{3}{4}=\frac{20\times4+3}{4}=\frac{83}{4}$

Step2: Find a common denominator

The common denominator of 2 and 4 is 4. So, $\frac{37}{2}=\frac{37\times2}{2\times2}=\frac{74}{4}$

Step3: Subtract the fractions

$\frac{83}{4}-\frac{74}{4}=\frac{83 - 74}{4}=\frac{9}{4}$

Step4: Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed - number

$\frac{9}{4}=2\frac{1}{4}$

Answer:

$2\frac{1}{4}$