1. Okay well, 23/40 is close to 20/40, which is 1/2. Also, 11/30 is close to 10/30, which is 1/3. To subtract, we must have a common denominator, so multiply 1/2 by 3/3 and 1/3 by 2/2 so both have a denominator of 6. Then you have 3/6-1/6, so your answer is 2/6 which simplifies to 1/3. The best estimate for the answer is 1/3.
2. 5/6 is almost 6/6, which is one. So, the best estimate for the combined width of the cardboard strips is about 1.5 yards.
3. There's already a common denominator, so just add 7+9+4=20. 20/15 simplifies to 4/3 (if you divide by 5/5). The exact sum is 4/3.
4. 1/21+2/21=3/21 which simplifies to 1/7. Gerry spends 1/7 of her money.