Answer :
I like to do these by subtracting the whole numbers and fractions separetely.
17 8/12 = 17 + 8/12
12 3/12 = 12 + 3/12
17 + 8/12 - 12 - 3/12
17 - 12 + 8/12 - 3/12
5 + 5/12
= 5 5/12
17 8/12 - 12 3/12 = 5 5/12
17 8/12 = 17 + 8/12
12 3/12 = 12 + 3/12
17 + 8/12 - 12 - 3/12
17 - 12 + 8/12 - 3/12
5 + 5/12
= 5 5/12
17 8/12 - 12 3/12 = 5 5/12
The answer is 5 wholes and 5/12 because when you line it up 17 8/12
12 3/12
5 5 /12