How to Subtract a Whole Number from a Mixed Fraction

To subtract a whole number from a mixed fraction, you need to follow a few simple steps to ensure the calculation is accurate.

Let’s break it down:

1. Convert the Mixed Fraction: First, convert the mixed fraction into an improper fraction. A mixed fraction is made up of a whole number and a proper fraction (for example, 2 1/3). To convert it, multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fractional part and then add the numerator. This will give you the new numerator, while the denominator remains the same.
2. Subtract the Whole Number: Now that you have an improper fraction, you can subtract the whole number. To do this, convert the whole number into a fraction with the same denominator as the improper fraction.
3. Perform the Subtraction: After converting the whole number into a fraction, subtract the numerators of the two fractions while keeping the denominator the same.
4. Simplify the Result: Finally, if possible, simplify the resulting fraction. If the result is an improper fraction, you can convert it back to a mixed number if desired.

Example: Let’s look at an example where we subtract 3 from the mixed fraction 5 2/5.

1. Convert 5 2/5 to an improper fraction:
   (5 × 5) + 2 = 25 + 2 = 27, so it becomes 27/5.
2. Convert the whole number 3 to a fraction:
   3 can be written as 3/1, which we convert to a fraction with the same denominator: 3 × 5 = 15, so it becomes 15/5.
3. Now, subtract:
   27/5 – 15/5 = (27 – 15)/5 = 12/5.
4. Simplify if needed:
   12/5 is an improper fraction, which can also be written as 2 2/5.

So, the final answer is 2 2/5. By following these steps, you can subtract any whole number from a mixed fraction easily!