What is the next fraction in the sequence:- 7/8, 3/4 and 5/8

Answer: 12\frac{1}{2}

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Convert fractions to a common denominator

To compare fractions easily and identify a pattern, we write each fraction with a common denominator. The denominators given are 88, 44, and 88, so the least common denominator is 88. Converting 34\frac{3}{4} into an equivalent fraction with denominator 88, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 22 to get 68\frac{6}{8}.

Step 2: Rewrite the sequence and identify the pattern

With a common denominator, the sequence is written as 78,68,58\frac{7}{8}, \frac{6}{8}, \frac{5}{8}. Looking at the numerators, we see the sequence of numbers 7,6,57, 6, 5, which decreases by 11 at each step. This means each term is obtained by subtracting 18\frac{1}{8} from the preceding term.

Step 3: Find the next fraction in the sequence

To find the next term, we subtract 18\frac{1}{8} from the last term 58\frac{5}{8}. This yields 48\frac{4}{8}. Simplifying 48\frac{4}{8} by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, 44, gives 12\frac{1}{2}.

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