LO: subtract mixed numbers

For adding mixed numbers you can just add the whole numbers and then add the fractions by changing them so they have matching denominators - you may need to simplify/change to mixed numbers at the end

Sometimes you can do the same when subtracting, but you may need to 'borrow' from the whole number (or convert to improper fractions if you prefer)...

For 5 2/5 - 2 3/4     you can change to improper fractions (second method), it is slightly quicker to 'borrow' from the whole number, when we are dealing with 20ths, one whole one is worth 20 20ths, or 1 = 20/20

so 5 and 8/20 and be written as 4 and 28/20

That way I can do 4 - 2 to get 2 and 28/20/15-20 to get the 13/20

Here's a couple more to test your understanding:

Further examples from text book - try covering up the answers and see if you can get them right: