5. \( \frac{1}{2}-\frac{3}{16} \)

To solve \( \frac{1}{2}-\frac{3}{16} \), you first need a common denominator. The least common denominator of 2 and 16 is 16. Convert \( \frac{1}{2} \) into sixteenths: \[ \frac{1}{2} = \frac{8}{16} \] Now your equation looks like this: \[ \frac{8}{16}-\frac{3}{16} = \frac{5}{16} \] So, \( \frac{1}{2}-\frac{3}{16} = \frac{5}{16} \). Finding a common denominator is essential in fraction arithmetic, and one common mistake is to forget to convert both fractions to the same base. Always double-check that your fractions are equivalent before performing operations!