Study notes on this topic, with worked examples and problems to try: Addition and Subtraction of Mixed Numbers ›

How to Subtract Mixed Numbers and Fractions?

Subtract Fractions Calculator

1. The video below explains how to subtract mixed numbers.

A mixed number or mixed fraction has two parts: a whole number and a proper fraction.

Mixed number  =  whole number  +  proper fraction

    2. I have
2 5
6
pepperoni pizzas and
1 2
3
cheese pizzas. How many more pepperoni pizzas do I have than cheese pizzas?

Pepperoni pizzas  =>  
2 5
6

Cheese pizzas  =>  
1 2
3

Pepperoni  −  Cheese  =>  
2 5
6
 − 
1 2
3
 =  ?
square metre or square meter
   
2 5
6
 − 
1 2
3

= 
(2 x 6) + 5
6
 − 
(1 x 3) + 2
3
   (First, change both mixed numbers to improper fractions)
= 
17
6
 − 
5
3

= 
17 x 1
6 x 1
 − 
5 x 2
3 x 2
   (Second, change the fractions to like fractions)
= 
17
6
 − 
10
6
   (Next, subtract the fractions)
= 
7
6

=  1 +
1
6
   (Finally, change the improper fraction to mixed number)
= 
1 1
6

I have  
1 1
6
  more pepperoni pizzas than cheese pizzas.

    3. What is
3 1
2
 − 
1
5
?

   
3 1
2
 − 
1
5

= 
(3 x 2) + 1
2
 − 
1
5
   (change mixed number to improper fraction)
= 
7
2
 − 
1
5

= 
7 x 5
2 x 5
 − 
1 x 2
5 x 2
   (change to like fractions)
= 
35
10
 − 
2
10

= 
35 - 2
10

= 
33
10

=  3 +
3
10
   (change the improper fraction to mixed number)
= 
3 3
10