Chapter 0: Problem 22
\(21-26=\) Perform the indicated operations. \(\begin{array}{ll}{\text { (a) } \frac{2}{3}-\frac{3}{5}} & {\text { (b) } 1+\frac{5}{8}-\frac{1}{6}}\end{array}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) \(\frac{1}{15}\); (b) \(1\frac{11}{24}\).
Step by step solution
01
Find a Common Denominator for (a)
For \( \frac{2}{3} - \frac{3}{5} \), we need a common denominator. The least common multiple of 3 and 5 is 15.
02
Convert to Equivalent Fractions for (a)
Convert \( \frac{2}{3} \) to \( \frac{10}{15} \) by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 5. Convert \( \frac{3}{5} \) to \( \frac{9}{15} \) by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 3.
03
Perform the Subtraction for (a)
Subtract the equivalent fractions: \( \frac{10}{15} - \frac{9}{15} = \frac{1}{15} \).
04
Simplify (b) by Adding Whole Number
For \( 1 + \frac{5}{8} - \frac{1}{6} \), convert 1 to \( \frac{8}{8} \) so it can be added to \( \frac{5}{8} \). This results in \( \frac{8}{8} + \frac{5}{8} = \frac{13}{8} \).
05
Find a Common Denominator for (b)
Determine the least common multiple of 8 and 6, which is 24.
06
Convert to Equivalent Fractions for (b)
Convert \( \frac{13}{8} \) to \( \frac{39}{24} \) by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 3. Convert \( \frac{1}{6} \) to \( \frac{4}{24} \) by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 4.
07
Perform the Subtraction for (b)
Subtract the equivalent fractions: \( \frac{39}{24} - \frac{4}{24} = \frac{35}{24} \).
08
Simplify the Result for (b)
Since \( \frac{35}{24} \) is an improper fraction, convert it to a mixed number: \( 1 \frac{11}{24} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Fractions
Fractions are numbers representing parts of a whole. They consist of a numerator—the number of parts we have—and a denominator—the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into. Understanding fractions allows us to comprehend quantities that fall between whole numbers.
- Example: In the fraction \( \frac{3}{4} \), 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.
- Fractions can either be proper (numerator is less than the denominator) or improper (numerator is greater than the denominator).
Common Denominator
A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. Having the same denominator makes it easier to perform arithmetic operations like addition or subtraction on fractions.
- To find a common denominator, identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
- Example: For fractions with denominators of 3 and 5, the LCM is 15.
Improper Fractions
Improper fractions have numerators larger than or equal to their denominators. This type of fraction represents a quantity greater than or equal to one whole.
- Example: \( \frac{35}{24} \) is an improper fraction because 35 is greater than 24.
Mixed Numbers
Mixed numbers combine a whole number with a proper fraction, providing an intuitive sense of a number greater than a whole. They offer an easy way to grasp more complex amounts that do not fit neatly into fractions.
- Example: \( 1 \frac{11}{24} \) is a mixed number where 1 is the whole number and \( \frac{11}{24} \) is the fraction.
- To convert an improper fraction into a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator.