Question

What is 5 2/3 - 7 1/2 in simplist form?

Answer 1

`5(2)/(3)` -
`7(1)/(2)`

First, convert
`5(2)/(3)` to an improper fraction. Use this rule:
`a(b)/(c)` =
`(ac+b)/(c)` / Your problem should look like:
`(5x3+2)/(3)` -
`7 (1)/(2)`
Second, simplify 5 × 3 to 15. / Your problem should look like:
`(15+2)/(3)` -
`7 (1)/(2)`
Third, simplify 15 + 2 to 17. / Your problem should look like:
`(17)/(3)` -
`7(1)/(2)`
Fourth, convert
`7(1)/(2)` to an improper fraction. Use this rule:
`a (b)/(c)` =
`(ac+b)/(c)` / Your problem should look like:
`(17)/(3)` -
`(7x2+1)/(2)`
Fifth, simplify 7 × 2 to 14. / Your problem should look like:
`(17)/(3)` -
`(14+1)/(2)`
Sixth, simplify 14 + 1 to 15. / Your problem should look like:
`(17)/(3)` -
`(15)/(2)`
Seventh, find the least common denominator (LCD)
3: 3, 6
2: 2, 4, 6
The LCD is 6.
Eighth, make the denominators the same. / Your problem should look like:
`(17x2)/(3x2)` -
`(15x3)/(2x3)`
Ninth, simplify. Your denominators should now be the same. / Your problem should look like:
`(34)/(6)` -
`(45)/(6)`
Tenth, join the denominators. / Your problem should look like:
`(34-45)/(6)`
Eleventh, simplify. / Your problem should look like:
`-(11)/(6)`
Twelfth, convert to a mixed fraction. / Your problem should look like:
`-1(5)/(6)`

Answer as fraction:
`-1(5)/(6)`
Answer as decimal: -1.8333