If these are mixed numbers, which I believe they are from the context, then the first step is to convert each mixed number into an improper fraction.
2 = 16/8 (sixteen eighths)
16/8 + 3/8 = 19/8
1 = 8/8 (eight eighths)
8/8 + 7/8 = 16/8
Then just subtract these improper fractions:
When subtracting fractions, only subtract the numerators.
19/8 - 16/8 = 3/8 (three eighths)
So the answer is three eighths (3/8)
