Word Problems on Subtraction of Mixed Fractions

We will discuss here how to solve the word problems on subtraction of mixed fractions or subtraction of mixed numbers.

Let us consider some of the examples.

1. Jack jumped 4 1/7 m in a long jump competition. Shane jumped 3 2/9 m. Who jumped longer and by how many metres?

Solution:

Jack jumped = 4 1/7 m = 29/7 m = 261/63 m

Shane jumped = 3 2/9 m = 29/9 m = 203/63 m

Because 261 > 203, so Jack jumped more.

Difference = 261/63 – 203/63

= 261 - 203/63

= 58/63 m

Thus, Jack jumped 58/63 m more than Shane.

2. Mary gave 1/8 part of her money to Shelly. What fraction of money is left with her?

Solution:

The fraction of money given to Shelly = 1/8

The remaining fraction of money = 1 - 1/8

= 1/1 - 1/8

= 8/8 - 1/8

= 8 - 1/8

= 7/8

3. Sharon spent 4 3/7 hours studying maths and playing tennis. If she played tennis for 2 ¼ hours, how long did she study?

Solution:

Total hours spent for studying and playing = 4 3/7 = (4 × 7) + 3/7 = 31/7

Hours spent for playing tennis = 2 ¼ = 9/4

So, hours spent for studying = 31/7 – 9/4

= 31 × 4/7 × 4 - 9 × 7/4 × 7, (L.C.M. = 28)

= 124/28 - 63/28

= 61/28

= 2 5/28

4. Rex had some money. He spent 1/6 of it on Monday, 3/8 on Thursday and ¼ on Wednesday. What part of money is still left with him?

Solution:

Total part of money spent = 1/6 + 3/8 + ¼

= 1 × 4/6 × 4 + 3 × 3/8 × 3 + 1 × 6/4 × 6, (L.C.M. of 6, 8 and 4 = 24)

= 4/24 + 9/24 + 6/24

= 19/24

The part of money left with him = 1 – 19/24

= 1/1 - 19/24

= 24/24 - 19/24

= 24 - 19/24

= 5/24

Related Concept

● Fraction of a Whole Numbers

● Representation of a Fraction

● Equivalent Fractions

● Properties of Equivalent Fractions

● Like and Unlike Fractions

● Comparison of Like Fractions

● Comparison of Fractions having the same Numerator

● 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

● Subtraction of Fractions having the Same Denominator

● Addition and Subtraction of Fractions on the Fraction Number Line

4th Grade Math Activities

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