# How to Subtract Mixed Numbers

In this article, you will learn how to Subtract Mixed Numbers with similar (like) or Unlike Denominators in few easy and simple steps.

## Step by step guide for Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Use the following steps for subtracting mixed numbers.

• Subtract the whole number of the second mixed numbers from the whole number of the first mixed number.
• Subtract the second fraction from the first one. If the second fraction is bigger than the first fraction, borrow 1 whole number from the first mixed number.
• Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) if necessary.
• Add the result of whole numbers and fractions.

### Subtract Mixed Numbers – Example 1:

Subtract . $$2 \ \frac{3}{5} \ – \ 1 \ \frac{1}{3} =$$

Solution:

Rewriting our equation with parts separated, $$2 \ + \ \frac{3}{5} \ – \ 1 \ – \ \frac{1}{3}$$
Solving the whole number parts $$2 \ – \ 1=1$$ , Solving the fraction parts, $$\frac{3}{5} \ – \ \frac{1}{3}=\frac{9 \ – \ 5}{15}=\frac{4}{15}$$
Combining the whole and fraction parts, $$1 \ + \ \frac{4}{15}=1 \ \frac{4}{15}$$

### Subtract Mixed Numbers – Example 2:

Subtract . $$5 \ \frac{5}{8} \ – \ 2 \ \frac{1}{4} =$$

Solution:

Rewriting our equation with parts separated, $$5 \ +\ \frac{5}{8} \ – \ 2 \ – \ \frac{1}{4}$$
Solving the whole number parts $$5 \ – \ 2=3$$ , Solving the fraction parts, $$\frac{5}{8} \ – \ \frac{1}{4}=\frac{5 \ – \ 2}{8}=\frac{3}{8}$$
Combining the whole and fraction parts, $$3 \ + \ \frac{3}{8}=3 \ \frac{3}{8}$$

Combining the whole and fraction parts, $$3 \ + \ \frac{3}{8}=3 \ \frac{3}{8}$$

### Subtract Mixed Numbers – Example 3:

Subtract . $$5 \ \frac{2}{3} \ – \ 2 \ \frac{1}{4} =$$

Solution:

Rewriting our equation with parts separated, $$5+\frac{2}{3}–2-\frac{1}{4}$$
Solving the whole number parts $$5-2=3$$, Solving the fraction parts, $$\frac{2}{3}-\frac{1}{4}=\frac{8-3}{12}=\frac{5}{12}$$
Combining the whole and fraction parts, $$3+\frac{5}{12}=3 \ \frac{5}{12}$$

### Subtract Mixed Numbers – Example 4:

Subtract . $$3 \ \frac{4}{5} \ – \ 1 \ \frac{1}{2} =$$

Solution:

Rewriting our equation with parts separated, $$3+\frac{4}{5}-1-\frac{1}{2}$$
Solving the whole number parts $$3-1=2$$, Solving the fraction parts, $$\frac{4}{5}-\frac{1}{2}=\frac{3}{10}$$
Combining the whole and fraction parts, $$2+\frac{3}{10}=2 \ \frac{3}{10}$$

## Subtract Mixed Numbers – Exercises

### Subtract.

1. $$\color{blue}{4\frac{1}{2}-3\frac{1}{2}}$$
2. $$\color{blue}{3\frac{3}{8}-3\frac{1}{8}}$$
3. $$\color{blue}{6\frac{3}{5}-5\frac{1}{5}}$$
4. $$\color{blue}{2\frac{1}{3}-1\frac{2}{3}}$$
5. $$\color{blue}{6\frac{1}{6}-5\frac{1}{2}}$$
6. $$\color{blue}{3\frac{1}{3}-1\frac{1}{3}}$$

1. $$\color{blue}{1}$$
2. $$\color{blue}{\frac{1}{4}}$$
3. $$\color{blue}{1\frac{2}{5}}$$
4. $$\color{blue}{\frac{2}{3}}$$
5. $$\color{blue}{\frac{2}{3}}$$
6. $$\color{blue}{2}$$

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