Solve Mixed Number Equation: 20½ - (10⅓ + 5⅔)

Mixed Number Subtraction with Parentheses

2012(1013+523)= 20\frac{1}{2}-(10\frac{1}{3}+5\frac{2}{3})=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 When opening parentheses, minus times plus always equals minus
00:11 Let's use this formula in our exercise
00:19 Let's solve according to order of operations from left to right
00:29 Convert from mixed number to fraction
00:37 Find common denominator, multiply by the second denominator
00:44 Use long multiplication
01:03 Use long subtraction and substitute in our exercise
01:24 Convert from mixed number to fraction
01:29 Find common denominator, multiply by the second denominator
01:40 Use long subtraction and substitute in our exercise
01:56 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

2012(1013+523)= 20\frac{1}{2}-(10\frac{1}{3}+5\frac{2}{3})=

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Add the improper fractions inside the parentheses.
  • Step 3: Subtract the result from the improper fraction of the first term.
  • Step 4: Simplify the result back to a mixed number.

Let's execute each step:
Step 1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions:
2012=412 20\frac{1}{2} = \frac{41}{2}
1013=313 10\frac{1}{3} = \frac{31}{3}
523=173 5\frac{2}{3} = \frac{17}{3}

Step 2: Add the fractions inside the parentheses:
1013+523=313+173=483=16 10\frac{1}{3} + 5\frac{2}{3} = \frac{31}{3} + \frac{17}{3} = \frac{48}{3} = 16

Step 3: Subtract 16 16 from 412 \frac{41}{2} :
Convert 16 16 to a fraction with the same denominator: 16=322 16 = \frac{32}{2}
Subtract: 412322=92 \frac{41}{2} - \frac{32}{2} = \frac{9}{2}

Step 4: Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed number:
92 \frac{9}{2} simplifies to 412 4\frac{1}{2} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 412 4\frac{1}{2} .

3

Final Answer

412 4\frac{1}{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order of Operations: Solve inside parentheses first before subtracting
  • Technique: Convert 2012=412 20\frac{1}{2} = \frac{41}{2} and add fractions with same denominators
  • Check: Verify 412+16=2012 4\frac{1}{2} + 16 = 20\frac{1}{2}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring parentheses and working left to right
    Don't subtract 20121013 20\frac{1}{2} - 10\frac{1}{3} first = wrong order and messy fractions! This ignores order of operations rules. Always solve what's inside parentheses first, then subtract that result.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 100-(5+55)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to solve the parentheses first?

+

The order of operations (PEMDAS) requires you to handle parentheses first! If you work left to right instead, you'll get a completely different (wrong) answer.

Should I convert everything to improper fractions?

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It's often easier to work with improper fractions when adding and subtracting mixed numbers. But you can also add the whole numbers and fractions separately - use whichever method feels more comfortable!

How do I add fractions with the same denominator?

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When denominators are the same, just add the numerators! For example: 313+173=483=16 \frac{31}{3} + \frac{17}{3} = \frac{48}{3} = 16 .

What if I get a different denominator when subtracting?

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Find a common denominator first! In this problem, we converted 16 to 322 \frac{32}{2} so we could subtract from 412 \frac{41}{2} .

How do I convert an improper fraction back to a mixed number?

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Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient becomes the whole number, and the remainder becomes the new numerator. For 92 \frac{9}{2} : 9 ÷ 2 = 4 remainder 1, so 412 4\frac{1}{2} !

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