fractions
Subtracting Mixed Numbers
January 17, 2026
5 min read
PanMaths Team
Detailed Example: 3ยผ - 1ยฝ
1
Convert to improper fractions
3ยผ = 13/4 and 1ยฝ = 3/2(3ร4+1)/4 = 13/4, (1ร2+1)/2 = 3/2
2
Find common denominator
LCD of 4 and 2 is 43/2 = 6/4 (multiply by 2/2)
3
Subtract the numerators
13/4 - 6/4 = 7/4Keep denominator, subtract numerators
4
Convert to mixed number
7/4 = 1ยพ7 รท 4 = 1 remainder 3
3ยผ - 1ยฝ = 1ยพโ
๐กBorrowing When Needed
If the fraction you're subtracting is larger (like 3ยผ - 1ยพ), you may need to "borrow" from the whole number first. Convert one whole to a fraction with the same denominator, then subtract.
More Examples
5โ
- 2โ
= 3โ
17/3 - 7/3 = 10/3
4ยฝ - 1ยพ= 2ยพ9/2 - 7/4 = 18/4 - 7/4 = 11/4
3โ
- 1โดโโ
= 1โ
17/5 - 9/5 = 8/5
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to find a common denominator
- Not borrowing when the top fraction is smaller
- Subtracting denominators (you should keep them the same!)
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