Mona bought \( 21 / 8 \) pounds of cheddar cheese. She used \( 11 / 4 \) pounds to make sandwiches. How much cheese is left?

Mona originally has \( \frac{21}{8} \) pounds of cheddar cheese. After using \( \frac{11}{4} \) pounds, we need to find out how much cheese remains. First, we convert \( \frac{11}{4} \) to a fraction with a common denominator of 8, which becomes \( \frac{22}{8} \). Then, we subtract: \[ \frac{21}{8} - \frac{22}{8} = \frac{-1}{8} \] This negative result indicates that Mona has actually used more cheese than she originally had, meaning she is short \( \frac{1}{8} \) pound of cheese. In cooking or baking, it's important to be aware of your ingredient quantities to avoid running out mid-process! Double-check those measurements before jumping into a recipe to ensure a smooth cooking experience. This little slip can save you from a "cheesy" situation.