Arithmetic Grade Six

Lesson One Hundred-two: Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers


Subtracting mixed numbers is slightly more complicated than just subtracting si fractions. Here's an example:
Sample Problem: 3 3/8 - 2 1/8.
Step One: Subtract whole numbers. 3 3/8 - 2 1/8 = 1 + ( 3/8 - 1/8 ).
Step Two: Subtract the fractions. 1 + 2/8.
Step Three: Reduce the fraction (if necessary) 1 1/4.
ANSWER: 1 1/4.
Here's another example:
Sample Problem: 3 5/6 - 1 3/6.
Step One: Subtract whole numbers. 3 5/6 - 1 3/6 = 2 + ( 5/6 - 3/6 ).
Step Two: Subtract the fractions. 2 + 2/6.
Step Three: Reduce the fraction (if necessary) 2 1/3.
ANSWER: 2 1/3.
Here's another example:
Sample Problem: 4 7/8 - 1 3/8.
Step One: Subtract whole numbers. 4 7/8 - 1 3/8 = 3 + ( 7/8 - 3/8 ).
Step Two: Subtract the fractions. 3 + 4/8.
Step Three: Reduce the fraction (if necessary) 3 1/2.
ANSWER: 3 1/2.


Now you get to try a few for yourself.

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