Subtraction Of Mixed Fractions basic Mathematics quiz

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Mixed fractions are those which are having a whole number alongside the fractional part. Here in the quiz, the candidate has to subtract two mixed fractions one from another. In order to do that, the kid has to convert mixed fractions into improper fractions and then check if the denominators of both the operands are same. If not, then relevant operations are needed to be performed to make them equal and then finally subtract. If the number looks like it could be simplified further then simplification should also be done. The quiz is simple and aimed to make the candidate familiar with subtractions of mixed fractions.

Learn to subtract mixed fractions

A mixed fraction is a whole number and a fraction combined together, such as 3 1/2 or 5 3/4. Subtracting mixed fractions can be a bit tricky, but with practice, you’ll be able to do it with ease.

First, let’s take an example: you want to subtract 3 1/2 from 7 3/4. To do this, you’ll need to convert the mixed fractions into an improper fraction. To convert a mixed fraction to an improper fraction, you multiply the whole number by the denominator (the bottom number of the fraction) and then add the numerator (the top number of the fraction).

So, to convert 3 1/2 into an improper fraction, you would do 3 x 2 (the denominator) + 1 (the numerator) = 7 + 1 = 8/2.

Similarly, to convert 7 3/4 into an improper fraction, you would do 7 x 4 (the denominator) + 3 (the numerator) = 28 + 3 = 31/4.

Once you’ve converted the mixed fractions into improper fractions, you can subtract them like you would with regular fractions.

8/2 – 31/4 = (8×4) – (31×2) / (2×4) = 32 – 62 / 8 = -30/8

Now, you need to convert this improper fraction back to mixed fraction form, for this you divide the numerator by the denominator, which in this case is -30/8. The whole number of mixed fraction would be -3, and for the fractional part it is 6/8, which can be simplified to 3/4.

So the answer is -3 3/4

It’s also important to note that when the numerator of the fractional part is greater than the denominator, it’s necessary to borrow or regroup. For example, if you need to subtract 1/2 from 3/4, it’s not possible to subtract the numerator directly, so you have to borrow or regroup one from the whole number. In this case, you would convert 3/4 to 11/4 and then you would subtract 1/2 from 11/4 and get the answer, 5/4.

It’s also important to remember that when subtracting mixed fractions, the denominators (the bottom numbers) must be the same. If they are not the same, you’ll need to find a common denominator (a number that both denominators will divide into evenly) before you can subtract the mixed fractions.

In summary, subtracting mixed fractions can be a bit tricky, but by converting the mixed fractions into improper fractions and subtracting them, then convert it back to mixed fraction form by dividing numerator by denominator and remembering to borrow or regroup when needed. With practice, you’ll be able to do it easily. It’s also important to remember that the denominators should be the same before subtracting mixed fractions.