i need help doing these type problems.... example
3 1/3- 2 1/2=
1 -1/6
3 2/6 - 2 3/6 = 2 8/6 - 2 3/6 = 5/6
To solve the problem, you need to subtract the two mixed numbers: 3 1/3 and 2 1/2. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.
- The mixed number 3 1/3 can be converted to an improper fraction by multiplying the whole number (3) by the denominator (3) and adding the numerator (1). This gives us (3 * 3 + 1) / 3, which simplifies to 10/3.
- Similarly, the mixed number 2 1/2 can be converted to an improper fraction by multiplying the whole number (2) by the denominator (2) and adding the numerator (1). This gives us (2 * 2 + 1) / 2, which simplifies to 5/2.
Step 2: Find a common denominator for the fractions.
- The denominators for 10/3 and 5/2 are 3 and 2, respectively. In order to subtract them, we need a common denominator. The least common multiple of 3 and 2 is 6, so we will convert the fractions to have a denominator of 6.
Step 3: Convert the fractions to have a common denominator.
- To convert 10/3 to have a denominator of 6, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2. This gives us (10 * 2) / (3 * 2) = 20/6.
- To convert 5/2 to have a denominator of 6, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3. This gives us (5 * 3) / (2 * 3) = 15/6.
Step 4: Perform the subtraction.
- Now that both fractions have a common denominator of 6, we can subtract them. 20/6 - 15/6 = (20 - 15) / 6 = 5/6.
Therefore, the solution to the problem 3 1/3 - 2 1/2 is 5/6.