Subtract:

7' 5" - 2' 8" =

4'9"

Method 1:

First, convert both numbers into inches. Remember that 1' = 12", and the rest is like a remainder.

7'5" = (7*12) + 5 = 84+5 = 89

2'8" = (2*12) + 8 = 24+8 = 32

Next, subtract the two numbers.

89 - 32 = ?

89 - 32 = 57

There's your answer! You can change it back into feet by dividing it by 12.

57 / 12 = 4.75 = 4'9"

Method 2:

Another way of solving this problem is to borrow from the "feet" place.

7'5" - 2'8"

You can't take 8 away from 5, so you borrow from the "feet" place. Remember that unlike normal borrowing, you need to add 12 instead of adding 10.

6'17" - 2'8" = 4'9"

Whichever method you choose, you should get the same answer!

The answer would be 4'9"