Solve Mixed Number Subtraction: 6 5/14 - 2 1/7

Mixed Number Subtraction with Different Denominators

6514217= 6\frac{5}{14}-2\frac{1}{7}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:04 First convert mixed fractions to fractions
00:53 Multiply to find the common denominator
01:08 Subtract with common denominator
01:14 Now convert to mixed fraction
01:20 Break down 59 into 56 plus 3
01:28 Break down the fraction into whole number and remainder
01:36 Convert proper fraction to whole number, and add to mixed fraction
01:43 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

6514217= 6\frac{5}{14}-2\frac{1}{7}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem 65142176\frac{5}{14} - 2\frac{1}{7}, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify a common denominator for the fractions. The denominators are 14 and 7, and the least common denominator is 14.
  • Step 2: Convert 2172\frac{1}{7} to a fraction with a denominator of 14 to match 65146\frac{5}{14}.
  • Step 3: Subtract the fractions.
  • Step 4: Subtract the whole numbers.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The fractions are 514 \frac{5}{14} and 17 \frac{1}{7} . The common denominator is 14.

Step 2: Convert 2172\frac{1}{7}: Start by converting 17\frac{1}{7} to a denominator of 14:
17 \frac{1}{7} is equivalent to 214 \frac{2}{14} (since 1×2=21 \times 2 = 2 and 7×2=147 \times 2 = 14).
So, 217=22142\frac{1}{7} = 2\frac{2}{14}.

Step 3: Subtract the fractions:
Subtract 214 \frac{2}{14} from 514 \frac{5}{14} :
514214=314 \frac{5}{14} - \frac{2}{14} = \frac{3}{14} .

Step 4: Subtract the whole numbers:
62=46 - 2 = 4.

Therefore, the final result is:
4314 4\frac{3}{14} .

The correct answer to the problem 65142176\frac{5}{14} - 2\frac{1}{7} is 4314 4\frac{3}{14} .

3

Final Answer

4314 4\frac{3}{14}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCD before subtracting fraction parts
  • Technique: Convert 17 \frac{1}{7} to 214 \frac{2}{14} by multiplying by 2
  • Check: 4314+217=6514 4\frac{3}{14} + 2\frac{1}{7} = 6\frac{5}{14}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting different denominators directly
    Don't subtract 51417 \frac{5}{14} - \frac{1}{7} by subtracting 5-1=4 and keeping different denominators = wrong answer! This ignores that fractions need common denominators before operations. Always convert to the same denominator first, then subtract numerators.

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 numerators and denominators separately?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 514 \frac{5}{14} means 5 parts out of 14, while 17 \frac{1}{7} means 1 part out of 7. You need the same-sized parts to subtract them.

How do I find the least common denominator quickly?

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Look for the larger denominator first. In this problem, 14 is larger than 7. Since 14 = 7 × 2, the LCD is 14! If one denominator doesn't divide evenly into the other, multiply them together.

What if I need to borrow when subtracting mixed numbers?

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Sometimes you'll need to borrow from the whole number when the first fraction is smaller than the second. For example, if you had 62142514 6\frac{2}{14} - 2\frac{5}{14} , you'd convert 6 to 51614 5\frac{16}{14} first.

Do I need to simplify my final answer?

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Always check if your answer can be simplified! In this case, 4314 4\frac{3}{14} is already in lowest terms since 3 and 14 share no common factors other than 1.

Can I convert to improper fractions instead?

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Yes! You can convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions: 89141514=7414=4314 \frac{89}{14} - \frac{15}{14} = \frac{74}{14} = 4\frac{3}{14} . Choose whichever method feels more comfortable to you.

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