Identify Numbers and Signs: Identify the numbers and their signs.We have two fractions, −31 and −(−53). The second fraction has a double negative, which means it will become positive.
Simplify Double Negative: Simplify the double negative.The double negative in −(−53) becomes positive, so the expression now reads −31+53.
Find Common Denominator: Find a common denominator for the fractions.The common denominator for 3 and 5 is 15. We will convert both fractions to have this common denominator.
Convert to Common Denominator: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator of 15. For −31, we multiply the numerator and denominator by 5 to get −155. For 53, we multiply the numerator and denominator by 3 to get 159.
Perform Subtraction: Perform the subtraction with the new fractions.Now we have −155+159. Adding these together gives us 154.
Check for Simplification: Check if the result can be simplified further.The fraction 154 cannot be simplified further as 4 and 15 have no common factors other than 1.