To solve the expression \(3 \frac{3}{8} - 1 \frac{1}{2}\), follow these steps:

1. **Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions**:
   - \(3 \frac{3}{8}\) can be converted to an improper fraction:  
     \[
     3 \frac{3}{8} = \frac{3 \times 8 + 3}{8} = \frac{24 + 3}{8} = \frac{27}{8}
     \]
   - \(1 \frac{1}{2}\) can be converted to an improper fraction:  
     \[
     1 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{2 + 1}{2} = \frac{3}{2}
     \]

2. **Find a common denominator**:
   - The least common denominator (LCD) for 8 and 2 is 8.

   - Convert \(\frac{3}{2}\) to have a denominator of 8:
     \[
     \frac{3}{2} = \frac{3 \times 4}{2 \times 4} = \frac{12}{8}
     \]

3. **Subtract the fractions**:
   - Now subtract the fractions:
     \[
     \frac{27}{8} - \frac{12}{8} = \frac{27 - 12}{8} = \frac{15}{8}
     \]

4. **Convert the improper fraction to a mixed number**:
   - \(\frac{15}{8}\) can be converted to a mixed number:
     \[
     \frac{15}{8} = 1 \frac{7}{8}
     \]

So, \(3 \frac{3}{8} - 1 \frac{1}{2} = 1 \frac{7}{8}\).

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:
1. How would you add \(2 \frac{5}{8} + 1 \frac{3}{4}\)?
2. What is the result of subtracting \(5 \frac{7}{8}\) from \(7 \frac{1}{4}\)?
3. How do you multiply mixed numbers, such as \(2 \frac{1}{3} \times 1 \frac{2}{5}\)?
4. Can you convert a mixed number like \(4 \frac{3}{10}\) to a decimal?
5. What is the result of dividing \(9 \frac{2}{3}\) by \(3 \frac{1}{5}\)?

**Tip:** When working with mixed numbers, converting them to improper fractions often simplifies the arithmetic process, especially when adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.

Learn how to subtract mixed numbers with a detailed step-by-step solution to the problem 3 3/8 - 1 1/2. This guide covers key concepts like converting mixed numbers to improper fractions, finding common denominators, and converting the result back to a mixed number. Ideal for students in Grades 5-7.

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