How do you subtract a mixed fraction that has an unequal denominator?

Answer 1

Follow the steps to subtract a mixed fraction that has an unequal denominator :

Step 1 :

First convert each mixed fraction into an improper fraction.

Step 2 :

If they don ' t have common denominators, then find an common denominator, and use it to rewrite each fraction.

Step 3 :

Then, subtract the fractions and simplify.

For example :

4 1/2 - 3 1/4.

Step 1 :

Convert each mixed fraction into an improper fraction.

(2*4 + 1)/2 - (3*4 + 1)/4

= 9/2 - 13/4

Step 2 :

The least common denominator of 2 and 4 is 4.

Write each fraction with common denominator.

= 18/4 - 13/4

Step 3 :

Subtract the fractions.

= (18 - 13)/4

= 5/4

= 1 1/4.

Therefore, 4 1/2 - 3 1/4 = 1 1/4.