SOLUTION: Can someone help me solve this problem and break it down step by step for me? Subtract: 4 7/9 - 2 11/18 Thanks!

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Can someone help me solve this problem and break it down step by step for me? Subtract: 4 7/9 - 2 11/18 Thanks!      Log On


   

Question 39371: Can someone help me solve this problem and break it down step by step for me?
Subtract:
4 7/9 - 2 11/18
Thanks!
Found 2 solutions by AnlytcPhil, stanbon:
Answer by AnlytcPhil(1806) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

  4  7/9   =   4 14/18
- 2 11/18  = - 2 11/18
—————————    —————————
               2  3/18 = 2 1/6

Explanation:

  4  7/9   
- 2 11/18
—————————   
           
The denominators are not the same, but I can make the
top one have a denominator of 18 by multiplying the 9 
denominator by 2.  But if I do that I have to multiply
the numerator by 2 also.  So I change the 7/9 to 14/18

  4  7/9   =   4 14/18
- 2 11/18 
—————————    
              
Then I just copy the rest over:

  4  7/9   =   4 14/18
- 2 11/18  = - 2 11/18
—————————    —————————
               
Now when I subtract I get

  4  7/9   =   4 14/18
- 2 11/18  = - 2 11/18
—————————    —————————
               2  3/18 = 2 1/6

Edwin
AnlytcPhil@aol.com

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
4 7/9 - 2 11/18
=[9*4+7]/9 - [18*2+11]/18
=[43/9] - [47/18]
=[86/18] - [47/18]
=39/18
Cheers,
Stan H.