Question

How do you evaluate `(- 4\frac { 1} { 2} ) - 1\frac { 1} { 3}`?

Answer 1

Convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions and add them. The result is `-5 5/6`

Explanation:

`- 4 1/2 = - 9/2`

`-1 1/3 = - 4/3`

Now to subtract the two fractions, it is necessary to find a common denominator. Multiply both denominators to get the common denominator of `6`, then make equivalent fractions.

`-9/2 xx 3/3 = - 27/6`
`-4/3 xx 2/2 = -8/6`

Now you can add the the negative values of both fractions

`(-27/ 6) + (- 8/6) = -35/6` This is an improper fraction so it is best to convert the the answer to a mixed number.

`-35/6 = -5 5/6`

Answer 2

`-5 5/6`

Explanation:

`(-4 1/2) - 1 1/3`

the fractions in each mixed number should have a common denominator.

`2*3 = 6`

`1/2 = (1*3)/(2*3) = 3/6`

`1/3 = (1*2)/(3*2) = 2/6`

now we have `(-4 3/6) - 1 2/6`.

first subtract the whole numbers:

`-4 - 1 = -5`

then the fractions:

`-3/6 - 2/6 = -5/6`

then add these together:

`-5 - 5/6 = -5 5/6`

answer: `-5 5/6`