6 1/2 - 4 1/4: Understanding Fraction Subtraction
What is Fraction Subtraction?
Fraction subtraction is a mathematical operation that involves subtracting one fraction from another. It is an essential concept in mathematics, and it's used in various real-life scenarios, such as cooking, measurement, and finance.
The Problem: 6 1/2 - 4 1/4
In this article, we'll focus on subtracting 4 1/4 from 6 1/2. To solve this problem, we need to follow the correct steps for fraction subtraction.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
First, we need to convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
- 6 1/2 = 13/2 (convert 1/2 to an improper fraction)
- 4 1/4 = 17/4 (convert 1/4 to an improper fraction)
Step 2: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM)
Next, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of 2 and 4, which is 4. So, we'll convert the first fraction to have a denominator of 4.
- 13/2 = 26/4 (multiply numerator and denominator by 2)
Step 3: Subtract the Fractions
Now, we can subtract the fractions.
- 26/4 - 17/4 = 9/4
Step 4: Simplify the Answer
Finally, we simplify the answer by converting the improper fraction back to a mixed number.
- 9/4 = 2 1/4
The Answer: 6 1/2 - 4 1/4 = 2 1/4
By following the correct steps for fraction subtraction, we found that 6 1/2 minus 4 1/4 is equal to 2 1/4. This problem may seem challenging, but breaking it down into smaller steps makes it more manageable.
