Sure! Here's a clear explanation of how to subtract fractions with whole numbers :
How to Subtract Fractions with Whole Numbers
When subtracting a fraction from a whole number (or vice versa), you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Convert the whole number to a fraction
- Any whole number can be written as a fraction by putting it over 1.
- For example, 3 becomes 31\frac{3}{1}13.
Step 2: Find a common denominator
- To subtract fractions, the denominators must be the same.
- Find the least common denominator (LCD) between the fraction’s denominator and 1 (which is just the fraction’s denominator).
- Convert the whole number fraction to have this denominator.
Step 3: Rewrite the whole number fraction
- Multiply numerator and denominator of the whole number fraction to get the common denominator.
- For example, if subtracting 25\frac{2}{5}52 from 3:
- Convert 3 to 31\frac{3}{1}13.
- The denominator of the fraction is 5, so convert 31\frac{3}{1}13 to 155\frac{15}{5}515 by multiplying numerator and denominator by 5.
Step 4: Subtract the numerators
- Now subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
- Using the example: 155−25=15−25=135\frac{15}{5}-\frac{2}{5}=\frac{15-2}{5}=\frac{13}{5}515−52=515−2=513.
Step 5: Simplify if needed
- If the fraction can be simplified or converted to a mixed number, do so.
- 135=235\frac{13}{5}=2\frac{3}{5}513=253.
Example
Subtract 34\frac{3}{4}43 from 5:
- Convert 5 to fraction: 51\frac{5}{1}15
- Find common denominator: 4
- Convert 51\frac{5}{1}15 to 204\frac{20}{4}420
- Subtract: 204−34=174\frac{20}{4}-\frac{3}{4}=\frac{17}{4}420−43=417
- Simplify or convert to mixed number: 4144\frac{1}{4}441
If you want, I can also show you how to subtract when the fraction is larger than the whole number or with negative results! Just ask.
