Simplifying the Fraction: 1 1/4 - 5/9
When dealing with mixed numbers and fractions, it's essential to understand how to perform arithmetic operations on them. In this article, we'll explore how to subtract 5/9 from 1 1/4 and simplify the resulting fraction.
Converting the Mixed Number to a Fraction
First, let's convert the mixed number 1 1/4 to an improper fraction. To do this, we'll multiply the whole number part (1) by the denominator (4) and then add the numerator (1):
1 × 4 = 4 4 + 1 = 5
So, the improper fraction equivalent to 1 1/4 is 5/4.
Subtracting 5/9 from 5/4
Now, let's subtract 5/9 from 5/4. To do this, we'll need to find a common denominator between the two fractions. The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 9 is 36. So, we'll convert both fractions to have a denominator of 36:
5/4 = (5 × 9) / (4 × 9) = 45/36 5/9 = (5 × 4) / (9 × 4) = 20/36
Now, we can subtract 20/36 from 45/36:
45/36 - 20/36 = 25/36
Simplifying the Resulting Fraction
The resulting fraction 25/36 is already in its simplest form, so we don't need to simplify it further.
Conclusion
In conclusion, subtracting 5/9 from 1 1/4 results in a simplified fraction of 25/36. By understanding how to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and perform arithmetic operations on them, you'll be well-equipped to tackle more complex problems in mathematics.
