SOLUTION: How do I come up with the answer to this problem 2 5/2 - 2 3/2. I have tried everything but I come up with 1 as the answer my prof says the correct answer is 2 3/2

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Question 535730: How do I come up with the answer to this problem 2 5/2 - 2 3/2. I have tried everything but I come up with 1 as the answer my prof says the correct answer is 2 3/2
Answer by fcabanski(1391) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The answer is 1. In order for the answer to be 2 and 3/2 the first number has to be double 2 and 3/2. That would be 14/2 or 7.


You can either subtract the whole number from the whole number and the fraction from the fraction. 2-2=0 and (5/2) - (3/2) = 2/2 = 1.


Or convert each to an improper fraction then subtract (multiple denominator by whole number, add the numerator - that's the new numerator and the denominator is the denominator of the existing fraction part.)


(9/2) - (7/2) = 2/2 = 1
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