\[\frac{8}{9} - \left( \frac{11}{12} - \frac{5}{18} \right) + \frac{1}{4} =\]
\[= \frac{8^{\backslash 4}}{9} - \frac{11^{\backslash 3}}{12} + \frac{5^{\backslash 2}}{18} + \frac{1^{\backslash 9}}{4} =\]
\[= \frac{32 - 33 + 10 + 9}{36} = \frac{18}{36} = \frac{1}{2}.\]