5 1/4 - 2 2/3 = 31/12 = 2 7/12 = 2.5833333
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Conversion a mixed number 5 1/4 to a improper fraction: 5 1/4 = 5 1/4 = 5 · 4 + 1/4 = 20 + 1/4 = 21/4
To find new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 5 by the denominator 4. Whole number 5 equally 5 * 4/4 = 20/4
b) Add the answer from previous step 20 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 20 + 1 = 21
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 21) over the denominator 4.
Five and one quarter is twenty-one quarters
Conversion a mixed number 2 2/3 to a improper fraction: 2 2/3 = 2 2/3 = 2 · 3 + 2/3= 6 + 2/3 = 8/3
To find new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 2 by the denominator 3. Whole number 2 equally 2 * 3/3 = 6/3
b) Add the answer from previous step 6 to the numerator 2. New numerator is 6 + 2 = 8
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 8) over the denominator 3.
Two and two thirds is eight thirds
Subtract: 21/4 - 8/3 = 21 · 3/4 · 3 - 8 · 4/3 · 4 = 63/12- 32/12 = 63 - 32/12 = 31/12
For adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions, it is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal, identical) denominator. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(4, 3) = 12. In practice, it is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 4 × 3 = 12. In the next intermediate step, the fraction result cannot be further simplified by canceling.
In words - twenty-one quarters minus eight thirds = thirty-one twelfths.
