Subtraction with mixed numbers practice
To practice subtracting mixed numbers, follow these steps:
Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions. To do this, multiply the whole number by the denominator and then add the numerator. The result becomes the new numerator, and the denominator remains the same.
Step 2: Take the difference of the two improper fractions. Subtract the numerators and leave the denominators the same.
Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible. Simplify by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it.
Step 4: Convert the resulting fraction back to a mixed number, if necessary. Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient becomes the whole number, and the remainder becomes the numerator of the fraction part. The denominator remains the same.
Let's illustrate this process with an example:
Example: Subtract 3 1/4 from 5 3/8.
Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
3 1/4 becomes (3 * 4 + 1) / 4 = 13 / 4
5 3/8 becomes (5 * 8 + 3) / 8 = 43 / 8
Step 2: Take the difference of the two improper fractions.
43/8 - 13/4 = (43 * 4 - 13 * 8) / (8 * 4) = (172 - 104) / 32 = 68 / 32
Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction.
The greatest common divisor of 68 and 32 is 4. Divide both numerator and denominator by 4:
68 / 32 = 17 / 8
Step 4: Convert the resulting fraction back to a mixed number.
17/8 becomes 2 1/8 (2 as the whole number and 1 as the numerator of the fraction).
Therefore, subtracting 3 1/4 from 5 3/8 equals 2 1/8.