-4/5 - 1/2

Question

I confused

Answer 1

Hi Cheyenna--

 

First get a common denominator so that the fractions speak the same language:

 

-4/5 = -8/10

1/2  =   5/10

 

now, start at - 8/10 (visualize or draw a number line--you'll start at 8/10 to the LEFT of the zero)

 

next, take away another 5/10--which means go another 5/10 further to the LEFT.

 

Where did you end up?

 

You should end up 13/10 to the LEFT away from the zero, which is -13/10.

 

If you need to simpify, remember that 10 of those 10ths make 1 whole, with the last 3 tenths left over.

 

So your simplified answer is - 1 3/10 ("negative one and three-tenths")

 

Hope this helps!

 

Matt in NY

Answer 2

subtracting a number is the same as adding its opposite

(-4/5)-1/2=(-4/5)+(-1/2)

the least common denominator is 10

(-4/5)=(-8/10)

(-1/2)=(-5/10)

(-8/10)+(-5/10)=(-8+[-5])/10=-13/10

-13/10=-1 3/10