Adding and subtracting mixed numbers, step by step

How it works.

1. 01

   A mixed number is a whole and a fraction stuck together. Deal with them separately — wholes with wholes, sixths with eighths.

2. 02

   The fraction halves are different sizes, so cut both into 24ths first: 5 1/6 is 5 4/24, and 4 3/8 is 4 9/24.

3. 03

   Now look at the fractions on their own: 4/24 take away 9/24 cannot be done — there are not enough 24ths.

4. 04

   So borrow one whole from the 5. One whole is 24/24, so 5 4/24 becomes 4 28/24 — the same amount, written with more 24ths.

5. 05

   Now it goes: 28/24 − 9/24 = 19/24, and 4 − 4 = 0. So the answer is 19/24.