To solve the expression \( 6 \frac{5}{8} - (3 \frac{3}{8} + 1 \frac{7}{8}) \), we first need to simplify the expression inside the parentheses.
Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions:
For \( 3 \frac{3}{8} \): \[ 3 \frac{3}{8} = \frac{(3 \times 8) + 3}{8} = \frac{24 + 3}{8} = \frac{27}{8} \]
For \( 1 \frac{7}{8} \): \[ 1 \frac{7}{8} = \frac{(1 \times 8) + 7}{8} = \frac{8 + 7}{8} = \frac{15}{8} \]
Add the fractions: \[ 3 \frac{3}{8} + 1 \frac{7}{8} = \frac{27}{8} + \frac{15}{8} = \frac{27 + 15}{8} = \frac{42}{8} \] We can simplify \(\frac{42}{8}\): \[ \frac{42}{8} = \frac{21}{4} \]
Now we rewrite the initial expression: \[ 6 \frac{5}{8} - (3 \frac{3}{8} + 1 \frac{7}{8}) = 6 \frac{5}{8} - \frac{21}{4} \]
Convert \(6 \frac{5}{8}\) to an improper fraction: \[ 6 \frac{5}{8} = \frac{(6 \times 8) + 5}{8} = \frac{48 + 5}{8} = \frac{53}{8} \]
Now we perform the subtraction: We need a common denominator to subtract \(\frac{53}{8}\) and \(\frac{21}{4}\). The common denominator is 8. Convert \(\frac{21}{4}\) to eighths: \[ \frac{21}{4} = \frac{21 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{42}{8} \]
Now subtract the fractions: \[ \frac{53}{8} - \frac{42}{8} = \frac{53 - 42}{8} = \frac{11}{8} \]
Convert \(\frac{11}{8}\) back to a mixed number: \[ \frac{11}{8} = 1 \frac{3}{8} \]
Thus, the final answer is: \[ 1 \frac{3}{8} \]