Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers: example 4.90

Find the difference: $5 \frac{3}{5} - 2 \frac{4}{5} .$

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

Find the difference: $6 \frac{4}{9} - 3 \frac{7}{9} .$

How did it go?


Rewrite the problem in vertical form.
Since $\frac{3}{5}$ is less than $\frac{4}{5}$ , take 1 from the 5 and add it to the $\frac{3}{5} : (\frac{5}{5} + \frac{3}{5} = \frac{8}{5})$
Subtract the fractions.
Subtract the whole parts. The result is in simplest form.


Rewrite the problem in vertical form.
Since $\frac{3}{5}$ is less than $\frac{4}{5}$ , take 1 from the 5 and add it to the $\frac{3}{5} : (\frac{5}{5} + \frac{3}{5} = \frac{8}{5})$
Subtract the fractions.
Subtract the whole parts. The result is in simplest form.