Question

Add or subtract as indicated. Write answers in lowest terms as needed. 434−1254\frac{3}{4} - 1\frac{2}{5}

Accepted Answer

First, convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions. For 4(3/4), multiply the whole number 4 by the denominator 4 and add the numerator 3: $$4 	imes 4 + 3 = 19$$, so $$4(3/4) = \frac{19}{4}. $$For 1(2/5), multiply 1 by 5 and add 2: $$1 	imes 5 + 2 = 7$$, so $$1(2/5) = \frac{7}{5}. $$Rewrite the expression using the improper fractions: $$\frac{19}{4} - \frac{7}{5}. $$Find the least common denominator (LCD) of the two fractions. The denominators are 4 and 5, so the LCD is the least common multiple of 4 and 5, which is 20. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the denominator 20. For $$\frac{19}{4}$$, multiply numerator and denominator by 5 to get $$\frac{95}{20}. $$For $$\frac{7}{5}$$, multiply numerator and denominator by 4 to get $$\frac{28}{20}. $$Subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same: $$\frac{95}{20} - \frac{28}{20} = \frac{95 - 28}{20} = \frac{67}{20}. $$This is the result before simplifying. Check if the fraction can be simplified further.

Add or subtract as indicated. Write answers in lowest terms as needed. $4 and three fourths minus 1 and two fifths$

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Key Concepts

Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

Fraction Subtraction

Simplifying Fractions

Add or subtract as indicated. Write answers in lowest terms as needed. 434−1254\(\frac{3}{4}\) - 1\(\frac{2}{5}\)