Solve: (-2/4) - (+3.5) Mixed Number Subtraction Problem

Q: Why do I need to simplify the fraction first?

Simplifying $ -\frac{2}{4} $ to $ -\frac{1}{2} $ makes the calculation much easier. It's simpler to work with smaller numbers, and -0.5 is easier to remember than -0.5000.

Q: Should I convert the decimal to a fraction instead?

You could convert 3.5 to $ \frac{7}{2} $, but converting the fraction to decimal is usually faster. Choose the method that feels more comfortable for you!

Q: What does the plus sign in parentheses (+3.5) mean?

The (+3.5) just emphasizes that 3.5 is positive. It doesn't change the operation - you're still subtracting 3.5 from $ -\frac{1}{2} $.

Q: Why is my answer negative?

You're subtracting a larger positive number (3.5) from a smaller negative number (-0.5). This moves you further left on the number line, making the result more negative!

Q: How do I check if -4 is correct?

Substitute back: $ -\frac{1}{2} - 3.5 = -0.5 - 3.5 = -4.0 $. Since this matches our answer of -4, we know it's correct!

Fraction Subtraction with Decimal Numbers

$(-\frac{2}{4})-(+3.5)=$

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Understand the problem

$(-\frac{2}{4})-(+3.5)=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Simplify the fraction $-\frac{2}{4}$ .
Perform the subtraction with the positive number.

Step 1: Simplify $-\frac{2}{4}$ .
- The fraction $-\frac{2}{4}$ simplifies to $-\frac{1}{2}$ because both the numerator and the denominator can be divided by 2.

Step 2: Perform the subtraction.
- Now, calculate $-\frac{1}{2} - 3.5$ .

To subtract the numbers, transform $-\frac{1}{2}$ into a decimal: $-0.5$ .

Thus, the expression becomes:

$-0.5 - 3.5 = -4.0$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $-4$ .

Final Answer

$-4$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Simplify First: Reduce fractions to lowest terms before calculating
Convert Method: Change $-\frac{1}{2}$ to -0.5 for easier subtraction
Check Work: Verify -0.5 - 3.5 = -4.0 matches your answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding instead of subtracting when seeing mixed positive and negative numbers
Don't change (-1/2) - (+3.5) to (-1/2) + 3.5 = wrong positive answer! The parentheses around +3.5 don't change the operation - it's still subtraction. Always keep the subtraction sign and remember subtracting a positive number moves further left on the number line.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What is the additive inverse number of $$ 87 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to simplify the fraction first?

Simplifying $-\frac{2}{4}$ to $-\frac{1}{2}$ makes the calculation much easier. It's simpler to work with smaller numbers, and -0.5 is easier to remember than -0.5000.

Should I convert the decimal to a fraction instead?

You could convert 3.5 to $\frac{7}{2}$ , but converting the fraction to decimal is usually faster. Choose the method that feels more comfortable for you!

What does the plus sign in parentheses (+3.5) mean?

The (+3.5) just emphasizes that 3.5 is positive. It doesn't change the operation - you're still subtracting 3.5 from $-\frac{1}{2}$ .

Why is my answer negative?

You're subtracting a larger positive number (3.5) from a smaller negative number (-0.5). This moves you further left on the number line, making the result more negative!

How do I check if -4 is correct?

Substitute back: $-\frac{1}{2} - 3.5 = -0.5 - 3.5 = -4.0$ . Since this matches our answer of -4, we know it's correct!

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