Subtraction of Mixed Numbers

Hi Illianna, let's solve this subtraction problem involving mixed numbers together.

We are calculating two and three eighths minus one and five sixths. To subtract these, we first need a common denominator for the fractions.

Let's find the least common multiple of eight and six. Multiples of eight are eight, sixteen, twenty four, and so on. Twenty four is also a multiple of six, so that will be our least common denominator.

Now, let's convert the fractions. To get twenty four from eight, we multiply by three, so three eighths becomes nine twenty-fourths. To get twenty four from six, we multiply by four, so five sixths becomes twenty twenty-fourths.

Our problem is now two and nine twenty-fourths minus one and twenty twenty-fourths. Notice that nine is smaller than twenty, so we'll need to borrow from the whole number.