Let
x-------> yards of fabric used to make pillows
y-------> yards of fabric used to make curtains
T------> total yards of fabric
R-------> remaining yards of fabric
we know that
\(R=T-(x+y)\)
we have
\(T=8\frac{1}{2}\ yards\\\\ x= 2\frac{1}{2}\ yards\\ \\y=3\ yards\)
substitute in the formula above
\(R=8\frac{1}{2}-(2\frac{1}{2}+3)\)
\(R=8\frac{1}{2}-(5\frac{1}{2})\)
\(R=3\ yards\)
therefore
the answer is
the remaining of fabric is \(3\ yards\)
