3 1/4 minus 2 1/2 as a Fraction
In this article, we will demonstrate how to subtract two mixed numbers, specifically 3 1/4 minus 2 1/2, and express the result as a fraction.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To subtract mixed numbers, we need to convert them to improper fractions first. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
3 1/4 = ?
To convert 3 1/4 to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (3) by the denominator (4) and then add the numerator (1):
3 × 4 = 12 12 + 1 = 13
So, 3 1/4 = 13/4
2 1/2 = ?
Similarly, to convert 2 1/2 to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (2) by the denominator (2) and then add the numerator (1):
2 × 2 = 4 4 + 1 = 5
So, 2 1/2 = 5/2
Step 2: Subtract the Improper Fractions
Now that we have converted both mixed numbers to improper fractions, we can subtract them:
13/4 - 5/2 = ?
To subtract these fractions, we need a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 2 is 4. So, we can convert the second fraction to have a denominator of 4:
5/2 = 10/4 (multiply numerator and denominator by 2)
Now, we can subtract:
13/4 - 10/4 = 3/4
Step 3: Simplify the Result
The result of the subtraction is 3/4, which is already in its simplest form.
Therefore, 3 1/4 minus 2 1/2 as a fraction is 3/4.
