Subtracting mixed numbers can be hard at first, but making a few simple conversions will make it easy.If you want to convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions or subtract the whole numbers and fractions separately, you have to identify parts of a mixed number.Then subtract the numerators from the denominators of the fractions.
Step 1: Look for the number.
A whole number and a fraction are contained in a mixed number.The number should be positive, negative, or zero if it's an integer.1 is the number in the mixed number.
Step 2: The numerator should be recognized.
You can find the number above the dividing line by looking at the fraction.The number is the numerator and it will tell you how many parts there are.3 is the numerator.
Step 3: The denominator can be found.
To find the denominator, identify the number below the dividing line.This shows you how many parts it takes to make a whole number.The mixed fraction has 4 as the denominator.
Step 4: The numbers should be changed to improper fractions.
Adding the numerator will come up with an improper fraction.You get 2 improper fractions if you do this for both of the mixed numbers.To convert 3 x 4 into 12 x 3.1 1/2 would be 2 x 1 and 1 x 2.
Step 5: If necessary, find the lowest common denominator.
If your fractions don't have the same denominators, convert them.If you want to find the lowest common denominator, you have to use the other fraction's denominator.The 15 and 4 by 2 and 3 and 2 by 4 are used to find the lowest common denominator.You should get 30 and 12 on the same day.You can take the fractions and subtract them.You can skip this step if the denominators of the fractions are the same.
Step 6: Subtract the numbers from them.
If the denominators are the same, you can subtract the numerators to get your result.30/7 - 12/7 is 18/7.
Step 7: The result should be converted to a mixed number.
To get an integer and remainder, divide the numerator by the denominator.18 8 is 2 with a rest of 2.It can be written as 2 2 8.
Step 8: If necessary, make the result simpler.
Take a look at the fraction or mixed number you got after subtracting and see if you can reduce it further.The simplest result will be given by this.The fraction can be reduced by 2 to get the same amount.You might not have a remainder in some cases.
Step 9: Take the whole numbers out of the equation.
Take the whole numbers and subtract them before you start working with the fractions.Do 3 - 1 to get 2 if your equation is 1/3.
Step 10: If necessary, find a lowest common denominator for the fractions.
You're ready to subtract the fractions since you've already subtracted the whole numbers.If they have a different denominator, divide each part of a fraction by the other fraction's denominator.If you add 3 and 4 by 2, you get 6/8.For the other fraction, divide 1 and 2 by 4 to get 8.You can skip this step if your fractions have the same denominator.
Step 11: Subtract the numbers from the fractions.
If the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators from the equation.The denominators should not be subtracted as well.To get 2/8, subtract 4 from 6.
Step 12: Write the result down.
Put the fraction that you're left with next to the whole number that was subtracted.If possible, reduce the fraction.You'll get 2 2/8 for 3 1/3 - 1 1/2.To get 1/2, simplify 2 by 2.Your answer will be 2 1/2.