How do you evaluate #(- 4\frac { 1} { 2} ) - 1\frac { 1} { 3}#?

2 Answers

Convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions and add them. The result is #-5 5/6#

Explanation:

# - 4 1/2 = - 9/2#

#-1 1/3 = - 4/3#

Now to subtract the two fractions, it is necessary to find a common denominator. Multiply both denominators to get the common denominator of #6 #, then make equivalent fractions.

# -9/2 xx 3/3 = - 27/6#
#-4/3 xx 2/2 = -8/6 #

Now you can add the the negative values of both fractions

#(-27/ 6) + (- 8/6) = -35/6# This is an improper fraction so it is best to convert the the answer to a mixed number.

# -35/6 = -5 5/6 #

Mar 11, 2017

#-5 5/6#

Explanation:

#(-4 1/2) - 1 1/3#

the fractions in each mixed number should have a common denominator.

#2*3 = 6#

#1/2 = (1*3)/(2*3) = 3/6#

#1/3 = (1*2)/(3*2) = 2/6#

now we have #(-4 3/6) - 1 2/6#.

first subtract the whole numbers:

#-4 - 1 = -5#

then the fractions:

#-3/6 - 2/6 = -5/6#

then add these together:

#-5 - 5/6 = -5 5/6#

answer: #-5 5/6#