Gwen says that the sum of -11/2 and 21/2 is the same as the difference between 21/2 13/4. Is gewn correct? Explain why or why not

Question

Gwen says that the sum of -11/2 and 21/2 is the same as the difference between 21/2 13/4. Is gewn correct? Explain why or why not

Answer 1

-11/2 + 21/2 = 10/2 = 5

 

21/2 - 13/4 = 42/4 - 13/4 = 29/4 = 7 and 1/4 = 7.25

 

Not even close

Answer 2

Evaluate the expressions and compare.  The first one is

 

21/2 - 11/2 = (21 - 11)/2 = 10/2 = 5

 

The second one is

 

21/2 - 13/4 = 42/4 - 13/4 = (42 - 13)/4 = 29/4 ≠ 5

 

They are not the same.