Subtract 8 - 4 1/2.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to perform a subtraction operation where we need to subtract 4 and a half (4 1/2) from 8. We will convert the mixed number into an improper fraction first to make the calculation easier.
Answer
$3 \frac{1}{2}$
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is $3 \frac{1}{2}$.
Steps to Solve
- Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction
A mixed number like $4 \frac{1}{2}$ can be converted to an improper fraction.
To do this:
$$ 4 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{(4 \times 2) + 1}{2} = \frac{8 + 1}{2} = \frac{9}{2} $$
- Set up the subtraction problem
Now we can rewrite the problem as:
$$ 8 - 4 \frac{1}{2} \text{ will be } 8 - \frac{9}{2} $$
To perform the subtraction, we need to express 8 as a fraction with the same denominator:
$$ 8 = \frac{8 \times 2}{2} = \frac{16}{2} $$
- Perform the subtraction
Now, we can subtract the fractions:
$$ \frac{16}{2} - \frac{9}{2} = \frac{16 - 9}{2} = \frac{7}{2} $$
- Convert back to a mixed number (if needed)
To express $\frac{7}{2}$ as a mixed number, divide 7 by 2:
$$ 7 \div 2 = 3 \text{ R } 1 \Rightarrow 3 \frac{1}{2} $$
The final answer is $3 \frac{1}{2}$.
More Information
This answer represents the result of subtracting $4 \frac{1}{2}$ from 8, and showing the process of conversion and calculation helps clarify how to handle mixed numbers and improper fractions.
Tips
- Forgetting to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction before performing the subtraction can lead to errors.
- Not converting both numbers to the same denominator, which is necessary for proper subtraction of fractions.
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