Simplifying Mixed Numbers: 4 1/2 - 2 7/8 as a Fraction
In this article, we'll explore how to simplify the subtraction of two mixed numbers, specifically 4 1/2 - 2 7/8, and express the result as a fraction.
Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
Before we dive into the calculation, let's quickly review the concepts of mixed numbers and improper fractions.
A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. For example, 4 1/2 is a mixed number, where 4 is the whole number part and 1/2 is the fraction part.
An improper fraction, on the other hand, is a fraction where the numerator (the top number) is greater than or equal to the denominator (the bottom number). For example, 5/3 is an improper fraction.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To simplify our calculation, we'll convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions.
4 1/2 = (4 × 2) + 1 / 2 = 9/2 2 7/8 = (2 × 8) + 7 / 8 = 23/8
Subtracting the Improper Fractions
Now that we have both mixed numbers converted to improper fractions, we can subtract them.
9/2 - 23/8 = ?
To subtract these fractions, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, which is 8. We can then convert both fractions to have a denominator of 8:
9/2 = 36/8 23/8 = 23/8
Now, we can subtract:
36/8 - 23/8 = 13/8
Simplifying the Result
Our final result is an improper fraction, 13/8. If we want to convert it back to a mixed number, we can do so:
13/8 = 1 5/8
And there you have it! The result of 4 1/2 - 2 7/8 as a fraction is 1 5/8.
