Lesson 5: Subtract a mixed number from a mixed number.

Property

To find the difference $A - B$, you can find the number that must be added to $B$ to get $A$. On a number line, this is the total distance from $B$ to $A$. The difference is the sum of the "jumps" made to get from the subtrahend ($B$) to the minuend ($A$).

Examples

Property

To subtract mixed numbers when regrouping is needed, you can first subtract the whole numbers. Then, decompose the subtrahend's fraction into parts to make the subtraction easier. Subtract the first part to reach a whole number, then subtract the remaining part.

Examples

Property

When subtracting mixed numbers like $A\frac{b}{c} - D\frac{e}{c}$ where $b < e$, you must regroup the first mixed number. Decompose one whole from $A$ and add it to the fraction:

Examples