Subtraction of Mixed Fractions

We will learn how to solve subtraction of mixed fractions or subtraction of mixed numbers.

There are two methods to subtract the mixed fractions.

1. Subtract 3$\frac{1}{12}$ from 3$\frac{1}{12}$.

Solution:

Method I.

Method II:

2. Subtract 1$\frac{5}{12}$ from 3$\frac{3}{8}$

Solution:

We first convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.

1$\frac{5}{12}$ = $\frac{1  × 12 + 5}{12}$ = $\frac{17}{12}$

3$\frac{3}{8}$ = $\frac{3  × 8 + 3}{8}$ = $\frac{27}{8}$

Now, $\frac{27}{8}$ - $\frac{17}{12}$ = $\frac{27 × 3}{8 × 3}$ - $\frac{17 × 2}{12 × 2}$

LCM of 8 and 12 is 24

$\frac{81}{24}$ - $\frac{34}{24}$ = $\frac{81 - 34}{24}$

            = $\frac{47}{24}$

            = 1$\frac{23}{24}$

Hence, 3$\frac{3}{8}$ - 1$\frac{5}{12}$ = 1$\frac{23}{24}$

Word Problems on Subtraction of Mixed Fractions:

3. Ron used 3$\frac{1}{4}$ litres of paint from a tin of 5$\frac{1}{2}$ l, to color the walls of his room. What fraction of paint is still left in the tin?

Answer: $\frac{9}{4}$ litres

4. Sam has a cloth of length 16 m. He took 13$\frac{1}{4}$ m of cloth from it to make curtains for the house. How much cloth is still left with him for further use?

Answer: 2$\frac{3}{4}$ m

5. Ten years ago a forest was spread up to a distance of 33 km. Due to forest fires and industrial set up now it is spread upto a distance of 16$\frac{1}{5}$ km. What fraction of forest has been destroyed in the last 10 years? What measures can be taken to protect these forests?

Answer: 16$\frac{4}{5}$ km

6. A drum full of rice weighs 84$\frac{1}{2}$ kg. If the weight of empty drum is 12$\frac{1}{6}$ kg, find the weight of the rice.

Answers: 72$\frac{1}{3}$ kg

● Related Concepts

• Fraction of a Whole Numbers
• Representation of a Fraction
• Equivalent Fractions
• Properties of Equivalent Fractions
• Finding Equivalent Fractions
• Reducing the Equivalent Fractions
• Verification of Equivalent Fractions
• Finding a Fraction of a Whole Number
• Like and Unlike Fractions
• Comparison of Like Fractions
• Comparison of Fractions having the same Numerator
• Comparison of Unlike Fractions
• Fractions in Ascending Order
• Fractions in Descending Order
• Types of Fractions
• Changing Fractions
• Conversion of Fractions into Fractions having Same Denominator
• Conversion of a Fraction into its Smallest and Simplest Form
• Addition of Fractions having the Same Denominator
• Addition of Unlike Fractions
• Addition of Mixed Fractions
• Word Problems on Addition of Mixed Fractions
• Worksheet on Word Problems on Addition of Mixed Fractions
• Subtraction of Fractions having the Same Denominator
• Subtraction of Unlike Fractions
• Subtraction of Mixed Fractions
• Word Problems on Subtraction of Mixed Fractions
• Worksheet on Word Problems on subtraction of Mixed Fractions
• Addition and Subtraction of Fractions on the Fraction Number Line
• Word Problems on Multiplication of Mixed Fractions
• Worksheet on Word Problems on Multiplication of Mixed Fractions
• Multiplying Fractions
• Dividing Fractions
• Word Problems on Division of Mixed Fractions
• Worksheet on Word Problems on Division of Mixed Fractions

4th Grade Math Activities

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