In commutative property , we can add numbers in any order.
Here we are given with fractions
We can add or subtract fractions in any order
[tex] -\frac{7}{16} -\frac{1}{4} -\frac{5}{16} [/tex]
We change the order of fraction that has same denominator so that we can add it more easily using commutative property
[tex] -\frac{7}{16} -\frac{5}{16} -\frac{1}{4} [/tex]
The first two fractions have same negative sign and common denominator
so we add it
[tex] -\frac{12}{16} -\frac{1}{4} [/tex]
Simplify the fraction 12/ 16
[tex] -\frac{3}{4} -\frac{1}{4} [/tex]
Add the fractions
[tex] -\frac{4}{4} [/tex] = -1