Solve Mixed Number Subtraction: 2⅓ - 1½ Step by Step

To solve the problem $2\frac{4}{3} - 1\frac{1}{2}$, let's follow these steps:

• Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.
• Step 2: Find a common denominator for the fractions.
• Step 3: Perform the subtraction of the fractions.
• Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if possible, and convert it back to a mixed number if needed.

Now let's work through these steps:

Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.

$2\frac{4}{3} = \frac{2 \times 3 + 4}{3} = \frac{6 + 4}{3} = \frac{10}{3}$

$1\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{2 + 1}{2} = \frac{3}{2}$

Step 2: Identify a common denominator. The denominators are 3 and 2; the least common denominator is 6.

Convert $\frac{10}{3}$ to have a denominator of 6:

$\frac{10}{3} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{20}{6}$

Convert $\frac{3}{2}$ to have a denominator of 6:

$\frac{3}{2} \times \frac{3}{3} = \frac{9}{6}$

Step 3: Perform the subtraction:

$\frac{20}{6} - \frac{9}{6} = \frac{20 - 9}{6} = \frac{11}{6}$

Step 4: Convert $\frac{11}{6}$ back to a mixed number:

$\frac{11}{6} = 1\frac{5}{6}$

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $1\frac{5}{6}$.