Question

What is 4 1/2 - 2 2/5 in simplest form

Answer 1

Answer: 2 and 1/10

Step-by-step explanation: To subtract mixed numbers, we first subtract the fractions.

Notice that 1/2 and 2/5 are unlike fractions so we need a common denominator which in this case is 10. If you need a review on how to find the common denominator for these fractions, let me know in the comments below and I will be more than happy to explain.

To get a 10 in the denominator of 1/2, we multiply the numerator and the denominator by 5 to get 5/10. To get a 10 in the denominator of 2/5, we multiply the numerator and denominator by 2 to get 4/10.

So we have 4 and 5/10 - 2 and 4/10.

Subtracting the fractions, 5/10 - 4/10 is 1/10 and subtracting the whole numbers, 4 - 2 is 2. So 4 and 1/2 - 2 and 2/5 is 2 and 1/10.