1 1/3 - 3/5 As A Fraction

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
1 1/3 - 3/5 As A Fraction

Subtracting Fractions: 1 1/3 - 3/5

This article will guide you through the process of subtracting the fractions 1 1/3 and 3/5.

Understanding Mixed Numbers

Before we begin, let's understand what a mixed number is. A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a fraction, like 1 1/3.

Converting to Improper Fractions

To subtract fractions, we need to have them in the same format, which is an improper fraction. An improper fraction has a numerator larger than or equal to the denominator.

  • 1 1/3: To convert this to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (3) and add the numerator (1). This gives us 4. Keep the same denominator (3). Therefore, 1 1/3 is equal to 4/3.

Finding a Common Denominator

Now, we have 4/3 and 3/5. We need to find a common denominator for these fractions. The least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 5 is 15.

  • 4/3: Multiply both numerator and denominator by 5: (4 * 5) / (3 * 5) = 20/15.
  • 3/5: Multiply both numerator and denominator by 3: (3 * 3) / (5 * 3) = 9/15.

Subtracting the Fractions

Now that we have the same denominator, we can subtract the fractions:

20/15 - 9/15 = 11/15

Conclusion

Therefore, 1 1/3 - 3/5 is equal to 11/15.