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How to Add a Whole Number to a Fraction

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Subtracting fractions from whole numbers isn't as hard as it looks. There are two main ways to go about it: you can either convert the whole number into a fraction, or subtract 1 from that whole number and convert the 1 into a fraction with the same base as the fraction you're subtracting from it. Once you have two fractions with the same base, you can start to subtract. Both methods will help you.

  1. 1

    Convert the whole number to a fraction. To do this, give the whole number a denominator of 1.[1]

  2. 2

    Convert to fractions of like denominators. The original fraction's denominator is also the least common denominator (LCD) of the two fractions. Multiply the top and bottom of the "whole number fraction" by this number so the fractions have the same denominator.[2]

  3. 3

    Subtract the numerators. Now that the fractions have the same denominators, you can treat the numerators as a normal subtraction problem:[3]

  4. 4

  1. 1

    Try this for large whole numbers. Did you see how the method above converts the whole number into a fraction, then converts back to a mixed number at the end? This method lets you skip some of that so the fraction only involves smaller numbers.

  2. 2

  3. 3

    Separate the whole number into 1 and another whole number. For example, rewrite 5 as 4 + 1, or rewrite 22 as 21 + 1.

  4. 4

    Convert the 1 into a fraction. At this point we're using the method above to solve the part of the problem in the form "1 - (fraction)". The other whole number will stay the same for the rest of the problem.

  5. 5

    Multiply to give the fractions like denominators. As described above, multiply the top and bottom of your new fraction so it has the same denominator as the original fraction.

  6. 6

    Combine the two fractions. Subtract the numerators to solve the fraction part of the equation.

Add New Question

  • Question

    If the whole number is 1, then how am I supposed to make it into a fraction if 1/1 is 1 whole?

    Donagan

    As a simple example, let's say we're subtracting ¾ from 1. Convert 1 to 4/4. 4/4 - ¾ = ¼. If the whole number is something else, let's say 6, and you're subtracting ¾, convert the 6 to 24/4. 24/4 - ¾ = 21/4, or 5¼.

  • Question

    Can you help me with 5 5/6 - 2 2/3 step by step?

    WOOHP

    1. 5 5/6 - 2 2/3 = 5 5/6 - 2 4/6 2. 5 5/6 - 2/4/6 = 3 1/6

  • Question

    I'm confused. Can you please give an example?

    Karianna Wood

    Karianna Wood

    Community Answer

    Take 3 - 2/7, for example. What over 7 is 3? 21, because 7 x 3 = 21. So 3 - 2/7 is the same as 21/7 - 2/7. What is 21/7 - 3/7? 21 - 3 = 18. So 21/7 - 3/7 = 18/7. (Optional) Simplify 18/7, which is 2 4/7. Does that help?

  • Question

    How do I subtract 8 - 1/8?

    Donagan

    Convert 8 to 64/8. 64/8 - 1/8 = 63/8, or 7 7/8.

  • Question

    How do I subtract a whole number and a mixed number?

    Community Answer

    Subtract the "number" part of the mixed number (i.e., if it was 2 3/4, then subtract 2), then subtract the fraction.

  • Question

    How do I subtract a whole number from a fraction?

    Community Answer

    Subtract it like a natural number. The whole number cannot be in lowest term

  • Question

    Three-eighths is equal to how many 64ths?

    Community Answer

    There are 8 sixty-fourths in one eighth, which means there are 3 x 8 or 24 sixty-fourths in three-eighths. 3/8 = 24/64.

  • Question

    How do I subtract 2/7 and 1/3 from 1?

    Community Answer

    Change the fractions so that they have equal denominators- 6/21 and 7/21- then add the top numbers- 6+7=13, so 13/21- then subtract that from 21/21- 21/21-13/21=8/21.

  • Question

    How do I calculate 3 1/7 - 1/2?

    Donagan

    First convert the mixed number to an improper fraction. Then convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with like denominators. Then subtract the smaller numerator from the larger numerator, using the new denominator.

  • Question

    What if I have a proper fraction instead?

    Community Answer

    If you have a proper fraction, you still need to make sure both have the same denominators before adding or subtracting. The LCD rule still applies.

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Article SummaryX

To subtract fractions from whole numbers, convert the whole number to a fraction by putting it over 1. Then, adjust the fractions to have like denominators by multiplying the new fraction by the denominator of the original fraction. Subtract the numerators of the two numbers, and convert the answer to a mixed number if necessary. Remember to reduce the fraction if possible or divide it into a whole number. For a trick to help subtract a fraction from a very large whole number, read on!

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How to Add a Whole Number to a Fraction

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Subtract-Fractions-from-Whole-Numbers