The number 4 is reduced by #1/3#, what does this mean?

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Answer 1 · 2017-10-01T08:02:45

The question is ambiguous. There are two possible answers.

#3 2/3# or #2 2/3#

The question is not very clear....

To reduce one number by another number means to subtract.

Reduce #16# by #9# would mean make #16# less by #9#

#16-9 = 7#

However when fractions are used, this could mean:

subtract #1/3# from 4 or make #4# less by one third of its value:

#4-1/3 = 3 2/3#

OR: Reduce by #1/3" "rarr 4- (1/3 " of "4)#

#4- 4/3 = 2 2/3#

Or, if #1/3# is being removed, then find the remaining #2/3#

#2/3 xx 4 = 8/3 = 2 2/3#