How do you subtract #4\frac { 2} { 5} - \frac { 9} { 5} #?

1 Answer
Sep 10, 2017

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, convert the mixed number on the right to an improper fraction:

#4 2/5 - 9/5 =>#

#(4 + 2/5) - 9/5 =>#

#([5/5 xx 4] + 2/5) - 9/5 =>#

#(20/5 + 2/5) - 9/5 =>#

#(20 + 2)/5 - 9/5 =>#

#22/5 - 9/5#

Next, subtract the numerators over the common denominator:

#22/5 - 9/5 =>#

#(22 - 9)/5 =>#

#13/5#

Now, if necessary, convert this result to a mixed number:

#13/5 =>#

#(10 + 3)/5 =>#

#10/5 + 3/5 =>3

#2 + 3/5 =>#

#2 3/5#