Subtracting Fractions From A Whole Number

We will look at two possible methods used when subtracting fractions from a whole number.

Method 1

We convert the whole number to a mixed number and then perform the addition or subtraction.

Example:
Calculate

Solution:

How to subtract fractions from a whole number?
Step 1: Borrow 1 from the whole number portion.
Step 2: Convert 1 into an equivalent fraction with same denominator to the given fraction.
Step 3: Subtract the given fraction from the equivalent fraction you converted.
Step 4: Add the results from step 1 and step 3.

Subtract a fraction from a whole number worksheet

Example:
5 - 7/10
16 - 5/8
10 - 5/12
20 - 1/16

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Method 2

We convert the whole number to a fraction with the same denominator as the fraction and then perform the addition or subtraction.

Example:
Calculate

Solution:

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

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