Eddition or subtraction of mixed numbers with dififerent denominat Subtract. Write your answer as a mixed number in simplest for \( 8 \frac{7}{8}-4 \frac{1}{4} \)

To subtract mixed numbers with different denominators, first, convert them into improper fractions. For \( 8 \frac{7}{8} \), multiply the whole number part (8) by the denominator (8) and add the numerator (7); that’s \( 8 \times 8 + 7 = 64 + 7 = 71 \). So it becomes \( \frac{71}{8} \). For \( 4 \frac{1}{4} \), that becomes \( 4 \times 4 + 1 = 16 + 1 = 17 \), giving you \( \frac{17}{4} \). To subtract, find a common denominator: the least common multiple of 8 and 4 is 8. Thus, rewrite \( \frac{17}{4} \) as \( \frac{34}{8} \). Now, you can subtract: \(\frac{71}{8} - \frac{34}{8} = \frac{37}{8}.\) Convert back to a mixed number: \( 37 \div 8 = 4\) R5, so you get \( 4 \frac{5}{8} \). So, the answer is \( 4 \frac{5}{8} \).