** Subtracting Mixed Numbers: 6 1/4 - 3 5/8 in Fraction Form **
When subtracting mixed numbers, it's essential to follow a specific procedure to ensure accurate results. In this article, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process to subtract 6 1/4 - 3 5/8 in fraction form.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To begin, we need to convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions.
6 1/4
The mixed number 6 1/4 can be converted to an improper fraction by multiplying the whole number part (6) by the denominator (4) and then adding the numerator (1).
6 × 4 = 24 24 + 1 = 25
So, 6 1/4 = 25/4
3 5/8
Similarly, the mixed number 3 5/8 can be converted to an improper fraction by multiplying the whole number part (3) by the denominator (8) and then adding the numerator (5).
3 × 8 = 24 24 + 5 = 29
So, 3 5/8 = 29/8
Step 2: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
To subtract the fractions, we need to find the least common denominator (LCD) of 4 and 8. The LCD is the smallest common multiple of the two denominators.
The least common multiple of 4 and 8 is 8
So, we can rewrite 25/4 with a denominator of 8 by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 2.
25 × 2 = 50 4 × 2 = 8
Now, we have:
50/8 - 29/8
Step 3: Subtract the Fractions
Finally, we can subtract the fractions by subtracting the numerators and keeping the denominator the same.
50 - 29 = 21
So, 6 1/4 - 3 5/8 = 21/8
Simplifying the Result
We can simplify the resulting fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
The GCD of 21 and 8 is 1
So, the result remains 21/8
Therefore, 6 1/4 - 3 5/8 = 21/8 in fraction form.
