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-   -   How do you subtract mixed number problems? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=612579)

  • Nov 15, 2011, 08:42 PM
    helpme567
    How do you subtract mixed number problems?
    Please show me how to subtract mixed numbers
  • Nov 15, 2011, 08:46 PM
    Wondergirl
    Same denominator or different ones?
  • Nov 23, 2011, 11:40 AM
    RPVega
    I'm assuming you mean a number like 1-1/2 to denote a mixed number?
    Let's use an example: (1-1/2)-(2-2/3). (One and a half minus two and two thirds.)
    First, convert the fractions to fractions with the same denominator. In this case,
    multiply 1/2 by 3/3 to get 3/6. And multiply 2/3 by 2/2 to get 4/6. The resulting
    mixed numbers are 1-and-3/6, and 2-and-4/6.

    Next, subtract the whole numbers: 1 - 2 = -1.
    Second, subtract the proper fractions: 3/6 - 4/6 = (3-4)/6 = -1/6.
    Since, both the resulting whole number (-1) and the resulting proper fraction (-1/6)
    are both negative, it is the same as counting left of zero on a number line. Therefore,
    -1 + (-1/6) = negative 1-and-1/6.

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