# How to solve 3 1/2 - 2/3? I get getting 1 1/6 is that right

May 14, 2018

$2 \frac{5}{6}$

#### Explanation:

3 1/2 - 2/3 = ?

First, turn $3 \frac{1}{2}$ into an improper fraction:

$3 \frac{1}{2} \rightarrow \frac{7}{2}$

Now put that into the subtraction problem:

$\frac{7}{2} - \frac{2}{3}$

These two fractions do not have the same denominator, so they cannot be subtracted. Give them each a denominator of $6$, because this is their least common multiple.

Remember to multiply the top and bottom by the same number, to keep their correct value:

$\frac{7}{2} \left(\frac{3}{3}\right) \rightarrow \frac{21}{\textcolor{\mathmr{and} a n \ge}{6}}$

$\frac{2}{3} \left(\frac{2}{2}\right) \rightarrow \frac{4}{\textcolor{\mathmr{and} a n \ge}{6}}$

Now put them back into the subtraction problem and subtract the numerators:

$\frac{21}{6} - \frac{4}{6}$

$\frac{21 - 4}{6}$

$\frac{17}{6} \rightarrow 2 \frac{5}{6}$

I went ahead and turned it back into a mixed number. The most simplified version of this subtraction problem is $2 \frac{5}{6}$.

May 14, 2018

No, it is $2 \frac{5}{6}$

#### Explanation:

You would change both fractions to have common denominators. You should get $3 \frac{3}{6}$ and $\frac{4}{6}$. Then, you would have to regroup since this is subtraction.

If you take away the 3 and add one whole to the $\frac{3}{6}$, you get $2 \frac{9}{6}$.

$2 \frac{9}{6} - \frac{4}{6} = 2 \frac{5}{6}$

Hope this helps!

May 14, 2018

Sadly No. The answer is $2 \frac{5}{6}$

#### Explanation:

To take away or add fractions if you are every wondering if you are right you can convert them both to top-heavy fractions.

$3 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{7}{2}$ and $\frac{2}{3} = \frac{2}{3}$ (two thirds can't be simplified)

then you want to find a denominator which factors contain 2 and 3.

$2 \cdot 3 = 6$
and convert the fractions above.

$\frac{7}{2} = \frac{7 \cdot 3}{2 \cdot 3} = \frac{21}{6}$ and $\frac{2}{3} = \frac{2 \cdot 2}{3 \cdot 2} = \frac{4}{6}$

Then you have $\frac{21}{6} - \frac{4}{6} = \frac{17}{6} = 2 \frac{5}{6}$