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

1 Answer
Oct 1, 2017

The question is ambiguous. There are two possible answers.

3 2/3 or 2 2/3

Explanation:

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