Question

Mike had 6 1/4 pounds of potatoes to share with his friends. He gave them 3 4/5 pounds. How many pounds of potatoes does Mike have left?

Answer 1

Answer: 2 9/20

Explanation:

First, rewriting our equation with parts separated

=6+14−3−45

Solving the whole number parts

6−3=3

Solving the fraction parts

14−45=?

Find the LCD of 1/4 and 4/5 and rewrite to solve with the equivalent fractions.

LCD = 20

520−1620=−1120

Combining the whole and fraction parts

3−1120=2920

Solution by Formulas

First:

Convert any mixed numbers to fractions.

Then your initial equation becomes:

254−195

Applying the fractions formula for subtraction,

=(25×5)−(19×4)4×5

=125−7620

=4920

Simplifying 49/20, the answer is

=2 9/20