Questions: Find 2 1/2 - 1 3/5. Now, find the difference. What is 2 1/2 - 1 3/5 ? 2 1/2 - 1 3/5 = 2 5/10 - 1 6/10 = 1 15/10 - 1 6/10 = □

Transcript text: Find $2 \frac{1}{2}-1 \frac{3}{5}$. Now, find the difference. What is $2 \frac{1}{2}-1 \frac{3}{5}$ ? \[ \begin{aligned} 2 \frac{1}{2}-1 \frac{3}{5} & =2 \frac{5}{10}-1 \frac{6}{10} \\ & =1 \frac{15}{10}-1 \frac{6}{10} \\ & =\square \end{aligned} \]

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Convert to Improper Fractions

Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions. 2 1/2 becomes (2 * 2 + 1)/2 = 5/2. 1 3/5 becomes (1 * 5 + 3)/5 = 8/5.

Step 2: Find a Common Denominator

The least common denominator of 2 and 5 is 10. Multiply the numerator and denominator of 5/2 by 5 to get 25/10. Multiply the numerator and denominator of 8/5 by 2 to get 16/10.

Step 3: Subtract the Improper Fractions

Subtract the improper fractions: 25/10 - 16/10 = 9/10.