а) $$13 \frac{8}{9} - 4 = 9 \frac{8}{9} = \frac{9 \cdot 9 + 8}{9} = \frac{81 + 8}{9} = \frac{89}{9} = 9 \frac{8}{9}$$
б) $$17 \frac{5}{14} - 5 \frac{3}{14} = (17 - 5) + (\frac{5}{14} - \frac{3}{14}) = 12 + \frac{2}{14} = 12 + \frac{1}{7} = 12 \frac{1}{7}$$
Ответ: a) $$9 \frac{8}{9}$$; б) $$12 \frac{1}{7}$$