Simplify each expression.

1. $\frac { 2 } { 9 } + ( - \frac { 1 } { 2 } )$

   Hint (a):

   Find a common denominator for both fractions. Remember that adding a negative is the same as subtracting.

   Answer (a):

   ${-\frac{5}{18}}$

2. $- \frac { 6 } { 7 } - \frac { 3 } { 5 }$

   Hint (b):

   Refer to part (a). Notice that this time you are adding two negatives.

   Answer (b):

   ${{-1\frac{16}{35}}}$

3. $\frac { 9 } { 10 } ( - \frac { 2 } { 3 } )$

   Step (c):

   Multiply the numerators then multiply the denominators.

   ${$\frac{\left(9\cdot -2\right)}{10\cdot 3}$}$

   Answer (c):

   ${-\frac{18}{30} = -\frac{3}{5}}$

4. $\frac { 1 } { 4 } \div \frac { 2 } { 7 }$

   Hint (d):

   Take the reciprocal of ²/₇ and multiply. Refer to part (c).

   ${\frac{1}{4}\: \cdot \: \frac{7}{2}}$

   Answer (d):

   ${{$\frac{7}{8}$}}$