Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Renaming
Step 1 Write the problem vertically. 5 ½ - 2 ¾ _________
Step 2 Find the LCD for each denominator. Rename ½ to 2/4 and ¾ to ¾. 5 ½ 5 2/4 - 2 ¾ - 2 ¾ ______ ______ Find the LCD of 2 and 4. 2 = 2, 4, 6 4 = 4, 8, 12 The LCD = 4
Step 3 Can you subtract the numerators the way they are now? NO! Rename in order to subtract.
Borrow from the 5----make it a 4. Take away 1 from the whole number 5, and add 1 whole to 2/4. How do you do this? What is your denominator? 4 What is one whole of 4? 4/4=1 whole Rename 2/4 to 6/4 5 2/4 4 2/4 - 2 ¾ - 2 ¾ _______ _______ 4 2/4 + 4/4= 4 6/4 -2 ¾ - 2 ¾ _______ _______
Step 4 First subtract the numerators and then you can subtract the whole numbers. 4 6/4 - 2 ¾ Notice: the bottom mixed number stays the same ______________ 2 ¾ What is the difference? 2 ¾
Your Turn! Solve the following word problem using the steps you learned. It usually takes Mr. Pulley 1 ¾ hours to get to the beach. Due to Independence Day traffic, this summer it took 3 1/3 hours. How much longer did it take this summer?