Chapter 4: Problem 455
In the following exercises, find the difference. $$5 \frac{2}{9}-3 \frac{4}{9}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The difference is \(1 \frac{7}{9}\).
Step by step solution
01
Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
First, we need to convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. For \(5 \frac{2}{9}\), multiply the whole number 5 by the denominator 9 and add the numerator 2. This gives: \[5 \frac{2}{9} = \frac{5 \times 9 + 2}{9} = \frac{45 + 2}{9} = \frac{47}{9}\]. For \(3 \frac{4}{9}\), multiply the whole number 3 by the denominator 9 and add the numerator 4. This gives: \[3 \frac{4}{9} = \frac{3 \times 9 + 4}{9} = \frac{27 + 4}{9} = \frac{31}{9}\].
02
Subtract the Improper Fractions
Now, subtract the two improper fractions. Since the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators directly: \[\frac{47}{9} - \frac{31}{9} = \frac{47 - 31}{9} = \frac{16}{9}\].
03
Convert the Result Back to a Mixed Number
Convert the improper fraction \(\frac{16}{9}\) back to a mixed number by dividing 16 by 9. The quotient is 1 and the remainder is 7, so: \[\frac{16}{9} = 1 \frac{7}{9}\].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Improper Fractions
Improper fractions are a type of fraction where the numerator (the top number) is greater than or equal to the denominator (the bottom number). For example, \( \frac{47}{9} \) and \( \frac{31}{9} \) from our exercise are improper fractions.
To convert a mixed number into an improper fraction, you follow these steps:
To convert a mixed number into an improper fraction, you follow these steps:
- Multiply the whole number part by the denominator.
- Add the result to the numerator.
- Write the result over the original denominator.
Mixed Numbers
Mixed numbers consist of a whole number and a proper fraction. For instance, \( 5 \frac{2}{9} \) and \( 3 \frac{4}{9} \) are examples of mixed numbers. These are often easier to understand and work with as they clearly show the whole number part alongside the fractional part.
When converting a mixed number to an improper fraction, you combine the whole and fractional parts together into a single fraction.
Here’s how:
When converting a mixed number to an improper fraction, you combine the whole and fractional parts together into a single fraction.
Here’s how:
- Multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fractional part.
- Add the numerator of the fraction part to the result.
- The sum is written as the numerator with the original denominator.
Fraction Subtraction
Subtracting fractions involves a few key steps. In our example, we started with mixed numbers, so we converted them to improper fractions first.
Here’s a quick guide on subtracting fractions:
Here’s a quick guide on subtracting fractions:
- Ensure the fractions have a common denominator.
- If they don’t, find a common denominator and adjust the fractions accordingly.
- Subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same.
- Simplify the resulting fraction if necessary.
Prealgebra
Prealgebra introduces basic mathematical concepts that are foundational for algebra. Understanding how to work with mixed numbers and improper fractions is a significant part of prealgebra.
You will learn to:
You will learn to:
- Convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions.
- Simplify fractions and reduce them to their simplest form.
- Understand and apply the processes for finding common denominators.