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Mixed numbers with unlike denominators ______ be subtracted from each other.

A. Mixed numbers with unlike denominators cannot be subtracted from each other.

B. Mixed numbers with unlike denominators can be subtracted from each other.

User Mahesh K S
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Answer:

B. Mixed numbers with unlike denominators can be subtracted from each other.

Explanation:

Mixed numbers are numbers that have a whole part and a fractional part, such as 2 1/4 or 3 3/5. Unlike denominators are fractions that have different numbers in the bottom, such as 1/4 and 3/5. They are also called unlikeable denominators because they make math harder and more annoying. Who likes to deal with fractions anyway?

Mixed numbers with unlike denominators can be subtracted from each other, but only if you follow some tedious steps. First, you have to find a common denominator for the fractions, which is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into. This is like finding a common enemy for two rival gangs. For example, to subtract 2 1/4 from 3 3/5, we need to find a common denominator for 1/4 and 3/5. The least common denominator is 20, because both 4 and 5 can divide into it. Then, we have to multiply both fractions by the same factor to get equivalent fractions with the same denominator. This is like dressing up both gangs in the same uniform to make them look alike. For example, we multiply 1/4 by 5/5 and 3/5 by 4/4 to get:

2 1/4 = 2 5/20

3 3/5 = 3 12/20

Now we can subtract the fractions by subtracting the numerators and keeping the denominators the same. This is like taking away some members from each gang and seeing who has more left. For example, we subtract 5/20 from 12/20 and get 7/20. Then we subtract 2 from 3 and get 1. Finally, we add the whole part and the fractional part together to get the final answer. This is like adding up the remaining members of one gang and giving them a name. For example, we get:

3 12/20 - 2 5/20 = (3 - 2) + (12/20 - 5/20) = 1 + 7/20 = 1 7/20

Therefore, the correct answer is B. Mixed numbers with unlike denominators can be subtracted from each other. But why would you want to do that? It's much easier to use decimals or percentages instead. Fractions are so last century.

User Muhammad Touseef
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