How to solve 3 1/2 - 2/3?

Question

Diamond Stephens · Accepted Answer

First, create an incorrect fraction from

3 \frac{1}{2}

:

3 \frac{1}{2} \to \frac{7}{2}

Put that into the addition problem now:

\frac{7}{2} - \frac{2}{3}

Since the denominators of these two fractions are different, they cannot be added together. Their least common denominator is 6, so assign it to each of them.
To maintain the top and bottom's correct value, multiply both by the same number:

\frac{7}{2} (\frac{3}{3}) \to \frac{21}{6}

\frac{2}{3} (\frac{2}{2}) \to \frac{4}{6}

Now put them back into the subtraction problem and subtract the numerators:

\frac{21}{6} - \frac{4}{6}

\frac{21 - 4}{6}

\frac{17}{6} \to 2 \frac{5}{6}

cvijecimaxym · Accepted Answer

To have a common denominator, you would modify both fractions. Get

3 \frac{3}{6}

and

\frac{4}{6}

, please. Then, since this is subtraction, you would have to start over.
When you subtract 3 and multiply

\frac{3}{6}

by 1, you get

2 \frac{9}{6}

.

2 \frac{9}{6} - \frac{4}{6} = 2 \frac{5}{6}

How to solve 3 1/2 - 2/3?

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