Question

Marco picked 8 1/2
pounds of apples at an orchard last weekend. He used 1/2
of the apples to make a pie for a party. Then, he used 3 1/8
pounds of apples to make applesauce. How many pounds of apples does Marco have left?

Answer 1

Answer: 4 $\frac{7}{8}$ pounds of apples

Step-by-step explanation:

     We will subtract the apples used from the original pounds of apples to solve this question. First, I will turn all units into eighths to subtract.

8 1/2 -> 8 4/8

1/2 -> 4/8

3 1/8 -> 3 1/8

     Next, I will subtract and simplify as I go.

8 4/8 - 4/8 - 3 1/8

8 - 3 1/8

8 - 3 = 5, 5 - 1/8 = 4 7/8

   Marco has 4 7/8 pounds of apples left.