Mixed-Improper Conversion Math Example 4

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 4

hard
Subtract 295โˆ’325\frac{29}{5} - 3\frac{2}{5} by first converting to a common form.

Solution

  1. 1
    Convert 295\frac{29}{5} to a mixed number: 29รท5=529 \div 5 = 5 remainder 44, so 295=545\frac{29}{5} = 5\frac{4}{5}.
  2. 2
    Alternatively convert 3253\frac{2}{5} to improper: 3ร—5+2=173 \times 5 + 2 = 17, so 325=1753\frac{2}{5} = \frac{17}{5}.
  3. 3
    Subtract improper fractions (same denominator): 295โˆ’175=125\frac{29}{5} - \frac{17}{5} = \frac{12}{5}.
  4. 4
    Convert result to mixed: 12รท5=212 \div 5 = 2 remainder 22, so 125=225\frac{12}{5} = 2\frac{2}{5}.

Answer

2252\frac{2}{5}
When subtracting a mixed number from an improper fraction, converting both to the same form (either both mixed or both improper) simplifies the operation. Improper fractions are often easier for arithmetic since you just subtract numerators.

About Mixed-Improper Conversion

The process of converting between mixed-number form and improper-fraction form, which represent the same value.

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