Solve Mixed Number Subtraction: 4½ - 2⅔ Step-by-Step

Mixed Number Subtraction with Improper Fractions

412223= 4\frac{1}{2}-2\frac{2}{3}=

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

412223= 4\frac{1}{2}-2\frac{2}{3}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll first convert each mixed number to an improper fraction, find a common denominator, subtract the fractions, and then convert back to a mixed number.

Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
- 4124\frac{1}{2} becomes 4×2+12=92 \frac{4 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{9}{2}
- 2232\frac{2}{3} becomes 2×3+23=83 \frac{2 \times 3 + 2}{3} = \frac{8}{3}

Step 2: Find a common denominator for the two fractions.
- The denominators are 2 and 3; the least common denominator is 2×3=62 \times 3 = 6.

Step 3: Convert each fraction to have this common denominator.
- 92=9×32×3=276\frac{9}{2} = \frac{9 \times 3}{2 \times 3} = \frac{27}{6}
- 83=8×23×2=166\frac{8}{3} = \frac{8 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{16}{6}

Step 4: Subtract the fractions.
- 276166=27166=116\frac{27}{6} - \frac{16}{6} = \frac{27 - 16}{6} = \frac{11}{6}

Step 5: Convert the result back to a mixed number.
- 116\frac{11}{6} as a mixed number is 1561\frac{5}{6}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1561\frac{5}{6}.

3

Final Answer

156 1\frac{5}{6}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before subtracting
  • Technique: Find LCD: denominators 2 and 3 give LCD = 6
  • Check: 156+223=412 1\frac{5}{6} + 2\frac{2}{3} = 4\frac{1}{2}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting whole numbers and fractions separately
    Don't subtract 4 - 2 = 2, then 1223 \frac{1}{2} - \frac{2}{3} = wrong answer! This ignores borrowing when the first fraction is smaller. Always convert to improper fractions first to handle all parts together.

Practice Quiz

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\( 5:\frac{2}{5}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract the whole numbers first?

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Because 12 \frac{1}{2} is smaller than 23 \frac{2}{3} ! If you try to subtract them directly, you'll get a negative fraction. Converting to improper fractions handles this automatically.

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

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Use the formula: multiply whole number by denominator, then add numerator. For 412 4\frac{1}{2} : (4 × 2) + 1 = 9, so it becomes 92 \frac{9}{2} .

What if I forget to find a common denominator?

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You cannot subtract fractions with different denominators! 9283 \frac{9}{2} - \frac{8}{3} needs both fractions to have the same bottom number. Always find the LCD first.

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

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Divide the numerator by the denominator. For 116 \frac{11}{6} : 11 ÷ 6 = 1 remainder 5, so it becomes 156 1\frac{5}{6} .

Is there an easier way than converting to improper fractions?

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You could try borrowing from the whole number, but it's more complex and error-prone. The improper fraction method works consistently for all mixed number problems!

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