Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Example:
3 3/8 - 2 1/8
If you have a problem with fractions that already have common denominators you are in good shape!!
Subtract the two whole numbers, then subtract the numerators of the fractions and simplify the fraction if you can.
Example Answer: 1 2/8, which you can then simplify to 1 1/4.
Example 2:
2 5/6 - 1 3/9
Subtract the whole numbers: 2 -1 = 1
Get common denominators for the fractions. I can multiply 5/6 by 3 to get 15/18. I can multiply 3/9 by 2 to get 6/18. 15/18 - 6/18 = 9/18. The answer then equals 1 9/18. I can simplify the fraction by 3, so the final answer is
1 1/2.
Example:
3 3/8 - 2 1/8
If you have a problem with fractions that already have common denominators you are in good shape!!
Subtract the two whole numbers, then subtract the numerators of the fractions and simplify the fraction if you can.
Example Answer: 1 2/8, which you can then simplify to 1 1/4.
Example 2:
2 5/6 - 1 3/9
Subtract the whole numbers: 2 -1 = 1
Get common denominators for the fractions. I can multiply 5/6 by 3 to get 15/18. I can multiply 3/9 by 2 to get 6/18. 15/18 - 6/18 = 9/18. The answer then equals 1 9/18. I can simplify the fraction by 3, so the final answer is
1 1/2.