Answer:

19 5/8

Step-by-step explanation:

Solution #1:

Subtract the whole numbers first

23 - 3 = 20

And then subtract the fractions

1/2 - 5/8

4/8 - 5/8

Since the minuend is larger, we can borrow 1 from 20.

(1(8)+4) /8 - 5/7

12/8 - 5/8

7/8

Don't forget the 1 that we borrowed from 20, so now it is 20 - 1 = 19

Final Answer: 19 7/8

Solution #2:

Transform into improper fractions first

(23(2)+1) /2 - (3(8)+5) /8

47/2 - 29/8

Get their LCD.

188/8 - 29/8

159/8

Transform back to mixed fraction.

159÷8 = 19 w/ remainder 7

Final answer: 19 7/8