How do you subtract improper fractions with whole numbers?

Answer 1

To subtract an improper fraction from a whole number, turn the whole number into a fraction with the same denominator as the improper fraction. Then minus.

All whole numbers actually have a "1" as a denominator, we just don't write it (it's assumed.)

E.g 10 = (10/1) 20 = (20/1) etc... to change the denominator to the same as the improper fraction, multiply the whole number (that is now a fraction over "1") by the denominator of the improper fraction.

E.g Let the improper fraction be 17/4, and your real number be 20. From above, we know that 20 is the same as "20/1", with "1" as the denominator. You want this "1" to be "4", so multiply the real number by "4/4" (which is essentially multiplying by 1, so doesn't mess up how big the fraction is)

20/1 x 4/4 = 80/4. Now the denominators of both fractions are the same, you can minus the improper fraction from the whole number.

i.e 80/4 - 17/4 = 63/4 Which is actually 15 3/4 .