Evaluate -2.3-(4.5-3 1/2)

$- 2.3 - (4.5 - 3 \frac{1}{2})$

Step 1

Convert $3 \frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction.

A mixed number is an addition of its whole and fractional parts.

$- 2.3 - (4.5 - (3 + \frac{1}{2}))$

Add $3$ and $\frac{1}{2}$ .

To write $3$ as a fraction with a common denominator, multiply by $\frac{2}{2}$ .

$- 2.3 - (4.5 - (3 \cdot \frac{2}{2} + \frac{1}{2}))$

Combine $3$ and $\frac{2}{2}$ .

$- 2.3 - (4.5 - (\frac{3 \cdot 2}{2} + \frac{1}{2}))$

Combine the numerators over the common denominator.

$- 2.3 - (4.5 - \frac{3 \cdot 2 + 1}{2})$

Simplify the numerator.

Multiply $3$ by $2$ .

$- 2.3 - (4.5 - \frac{6 + 1}{2})$

Add $6$ and $1$ .

$- 2.3 - (4.5 - \frac{7}{2})$

Step 2

Simplify each term.

To write $4.5$ as a fraction with a common denominator, multiply by $\frac{2}{2}$ .

$- 2.3 - (4.5 \cdot \frac{2}{2} - \frac{7}{2})$

Combine $4.5$ and $\frac{2}{2}$ .

$- 2.3 - (\frac{4.5 \cdot 2}{2} - \frac{7}{2})$

Combine the numerators over the common denominator.

$- 2.3 - \frac{4.5 \cdot 2 - 7}{2}$

Simplify the numerator.

Multiply $4.5$ by $2$ .

$- 2.3 - \frac{9 - 7}{2}$

Subtract $7$ from $9$ .

$- 2.3 - \frac{2}{2}$

Cancel the common factor of $2$ and $2$ .

Cancel the common factor.

$- 2.3 - \frac{2}{2}$

Rewrite the expression.

$- 2.3 - 1 \cdot 1$

Multiply $- 1$ by $1$ .

$- 2.3 - 1$

Step 3

Subtract $1$ from $- 2.3$ .

$- 3.3$