ISEE Middle Level Math : How to subtract fractions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : How To Subtract Fractions

What is the solution to the expression below?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to subtract fractions, the least common denominator must be found for the denominator. The least common denominator of 4 and 9 is 36. Therefore, the fractions should be converted accordingly:

Example Question #32 : How To Subtract Fractions

Possible Answers:

 

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator as is:

Answer: 

Example Question #33 : How To Subtract Fractions

Evaluate:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

By the order of operations, carry out the operations in parentheses first; since there is a multiplication and a subtraction present, carry them out in that order. Finally, carry out the remaining subtraction:

Example Question #34 : How To Subtract Fractions

Subtract:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve, subtract the numerators and leave the denominators the same:

Answer:

Example Question #35 : How To Subtract Fractions

Subtract:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve, subtract the numerators and leave the denominators the same:

Answer: 

Example Question #36 : How To Subtract Fractions

Which of the following is the difference of nine tenths and nineteen thousandths?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Nine tenths is equal to 0.9; nineteen thousandths is equal to 0.019. Subtract them, rewriting 0.9 as 0.900:

     

     

Example Question #37 : How To Subtract Fractions

Which of the following is the difference of two-thirds and one-fifth?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Since , express each fraction as its equivalent in fifteenths, and subtract the numerators, as follows:

Example Question #38 : How To Subtract Fractions

Subtract:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Subtract the numerators and leave the denominators the same:

Answer:

Example Question #39 : How To Subtract Fractions

Subtract:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Subtract the numerators and leave the denominators the same:

Answer: 

Example Question #40 : How To Subtract Fractions

The time is now 2:17 AM. What time was it four hours and thirty-six minutes ago?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Two hours and seventeen minutes have elapsed since midnight. Since four hours and thirty-six minutes make a greater quantity, we need to look at this as fourteen hours and seventeen minutes having elapsed since noon. 

Change both to minutes as follows:

14 hours 17 minutes:

 minutes

4 hours 36 minutes:

 minutes

Subtract these quantities:

 minutes have elapsed since noon. 581 minutes is equal to

 hours, or 9 hours 41 minutes after noon, so the time was 9:41 PM.

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