Subtract the mixed numbers: 7 rac18 - 5 rac48

To convert a mixed number $a\frac{b}{c}$ to an improper fraction, use the formula $\frac{(a \times c) + b}{c}$.

For $7\frac{1}{8}$:

$$7\frac{1}{8} = \frac{(7 \times 8) + 1}{8} = \frac{56 + 1}{8} = \frac{57}{8}$$

For $5\frac{4}{8}$:

$$5\frac{4}{8} = \frac{(5 \times 8) + 4}{8} = \frac{40 + 4}{8} = \frac{44}{8}$$

Now the problem is $\frac{57}{8} - \frac{44}{8}$. Since the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators.

$$\frac{57}{8} - \frac{44}{8} = \frac{57 - 44}{8} = \frac{13}{8}$$

To convert $\frac{13}{8}$ to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator.
$13 \div 8 = 1$ with a remainder of $13 - (1 \times 8) = 13 - 8 = 5$.
The quotient (1) is the whole number part, and the remainder (5) is the new numerator over the original denominator (8).

$$\frac{13}{8} = 1\frac{5}{8}$$

The final answer is $1\frac{5}{8}$.