Mr. Hoover measured two pieces of elastic for a science experiment. The indigo piece of elastic was $18\frac{1}{8}$ inches long and the teal piece of elastic was $11$ inches long. How much longer was the indigo piece? $\newline$ Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number. $\newline$ $\_\_\_$ inches

Full solution

Q. Mr. Hoover measured two pieces of elastic for a science experiment. The indigo piece of elastic was

18\frac{1}{8}

inches long and the teal piece of elastic was

11

inches long. How much longer was the indigo piece?

\newline

Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

\newline

\_\_\_

inches

Convert to Improper Fraction: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction for easier calculation. $18$ $1$ / $8$ inches becomes $\frac{145}{8}$ inches (since $18$ * $8$ + $1$ = $145$ ).
Subtract Lengths: Subtract the length of the teal piece from the indigo piece. $\frac{145}{8}$ inches - $11$ inches. Convert $11$ inches to $\frac{88}{8}$ inches to match the denominators.
Perform Subtraction: Perform the subtraction: $\frac{145}{8} - \frac{88}{8} = \frac{57}{8}$ inches.
Convert Back to Mixed Number: Convert $\frac{57}{8}$ inches back to a mixed number for easier understanding. $\frac{57}{8}$ inches is $7$ $1$ / $8$ inches.