Borrowing in fraction subtraction involves regrouping from a whole number when the fraction being subtracted is larger than the fraction you're subtracting from. Here's how it works, based on the provided reference:
Steps to Borrow When Subtracting Fractions
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Identify the Need to Borrow: You need to borrow when the fraction you are subtracting is greater than the fraction you are subtracting from.
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Borrow 1: Take '1' from the whole number part of the mixed number you are subtracting from. This reduces the whole number by one.
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Convert the Borrowed 1 into a Fraction: Convert the '1' you borrowed into a fraction with the same denominator as the existing fraction in the mixed number. For example, if the denominator is 6, then '1' becomes 6/6. (Reference: "We borrow 1 right. And that one needs to be turned into a fraction with a 6 so that one's going to be turned into 6 over 6.")
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Add the Fraction: Add the newly created fraction (e.g., 6/6) to the original fraction in the mixed number. (Reference: "And then in your head you can see that 6 plus 1 is 7," which implies adding the numerator of the original fraction to the numerator of the borrowed fraction, keeping the same denominator.)
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Perform the Subtraction: Now that you have a larger fraction, you can perform the subtraction as normal.
Example
Let's say you want to solve: 5 1/6 - 2/6.
- Since we can't subtract 2/6 from 1/6 directly, we need to borrow.
- Borrow '1' from the 5, making it 4.
- Convert the borrowed '1' into 6/6.
- Add 6/6 to the existing 1/6, resulting in 7/6.
- Now the problem is: 4 7/6 - 2/6.
- Subtract the fractions: 7/6 - 2/6 = 5/6.
- Subtract the whole numbers: 4 - 0 = 4 (Note: In this problem, we are subtracting 2/6 which has an implied whole number of 0).
- The final answer is 4 5/6.
