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Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators-example-1
User Seany
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2 Answers

4 votes

Answer:


(9)/(4) - (5)/(10) = 1(3)/(4)

Explanation:

Multiply both the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the number that makes its denominator equal the LCD. This is basically multiplying each fraction by 1.

LCD(9/4, 5/10) = 20


((9)/(4) * (5)/(5) ) - ((5)/(10) * (2)/(2) ) = ?

Complete the multiplication and the equation becomes


(45)/(20) - (10)/(20)

The two fractions now have like denominators so you can subtract the numerators.

Then:


(45 - 10)/(20) = (35)/(20)

This fraction can be reduced by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the Greatest Common Factor of 35 and 20 using

GCF(35,20) = 5


(35 / 5 )/(20 / 5) = (7)/(4)

The fraction


(7)/(4)

is the same as

7 ÷ 4

Therefore:


(9)/(4) - (5)/(10) = 1(3)/(4)

Apply the fractions formula for subtraction, to


(9)/(4) - (5)/(10)

and solve


((9 * 10)- (5* 4) )/(4 * 10)


= (90-20)/(40)


= (70)/(40)

Reduce by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the Greatest Common Factor GCF(70,40) = 10


(70/ 10 )/(40 / 10) = (7)/(4)

Convert to a mixed number using

long division for 7 ÷ 4 = 1R3, so


(7)/(4) = 1(3)/(4)

Therefore:


(9)/(4) - (5)/(10) = 1(3)/(4)

User Cindyann
by
5.7k points
4 votes
your awnser will be 1 3/4
User David Kassa
by
5.3k points