Subtracting a whole number from a mixed number

In this lesson, we will take a look at how to subtract a whole number from a mixed number. Let’s walk through the examples step by step.

Content:

• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3
• Video
• References

Before getting into it, don’t forget that a proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator (the top number) is less than the denominator (the bottom number). Also, a mixed number is the sum of a whole number and a proper fraction, as shown in the figure:

1) Subtract 8⁴/₅ – 2:

To find the difference between the mixed number 8⁴/₅ and the whole number 2, we start by subtracting the whole numbers (8 – 2), and then, we put the fraction of the mixed number, ⁴/₅.

The resulting mixed number is 6⁴/₅.

2) Subtract 7²/₃ – 5:

To find the difference we start by subtracting the whole numbers (7 – 5), and finally, we keep the fractional part of the mixed number (²/₃).

The answer is 2²/₃.

3) Subtract 3⁶/₇ – 3:

To find the difference, first, we subtract the whole numbers (3 – 3), and then, we put the fraction of the mixed number, ⁶/₇. Also, there is no need to write 0, we can omit it.

The final answer is ⁶/₇.

Video

In the following video, we will see more examples of subtracting a whole number from a mixed number.

References

For this lesson, we have used this book:

• Tussy, K., Gustafson, D. y Koenig, D. (2013). Prealgebra (4th ed.; pp. 378-382). Cengage Learning.