Subtracting mixed numbers
The question
2 − 2
2−2
2=2
2=2
2−2
−=
−=
2−2=0
−=
2−2=0
=
- A mixed number is a whole and a fraction stuck together. Deal with them separately — wholes with wholes, halves with sevenths.
- The fraction halves are different sizes, so cut both into 14ths first: 2 is 2 , and 2 is 2 .
- The fractions go together first: − = .
- Then the wholes: 2 − 2 = 0.
- So the answer is .
How it works.
- 01
A mixed number is a whole and a fraction stuck together. Deal with them separately — wholes with wholes, halves with sevenths.
- 02
The fraction halves are different sizes, so cut both into 14ths first: 2 1/2 is 2 7/14, and 2 1/7 is 2 2/14.
- 03
The fractions go together first: 7/14 − 2/14 = 5/14.
- 04
Then the wholes: 2 − 2 = 0.
- 05
So the answer is 5/14.