5 1/3 minus 2 1/2 as a Fraction
In this article, we will learn how to subtract two mixed numbers, 5 1/3 and 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.
Convert 5 1/3 to an Improper Fraction
5 1/3 = (5 x 3) + 1 / 3 = 16 / 3
Convert 2 1/2 to an Improper Fraction
2 1/2 = (2 x 2) + 1 / 2 = 5 / 2
Step 2: Subtract the Improper Fractions
Now that we have the improper fractions, we can subtract them.
Subtract 5/2 from 16/3
To subtract these fractions, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of 2 and 3, which is 6. Then, we can convert both fractions to have a denominator of 6.
16 / 3 = (16 x 2) / (3 x 2) = 32 / 6 5 / 2 = (5 x 3) / (2 x 3) = 15 / 6
Now, subtract 15/6 from 32/6.
32 / 6 - 15 / 6 = 17 / 6
Step 3: Simplify the Result
17/6 is the result of subtracting 2 1/2 from 5 1/3 as a fraction.
So, 5 1/3 minus 2 1/2 as a fraction is 17/6.
