Sure, I can help you with that! Here is the correct order for the steps to subtract mixed numbers without converting them to improper fractions:
1. If the first fraction is smaller than the second, a 1 will need to be borrowed from the whole number of the first mixed number.
Before performing the subtraction, assess the fractions in the mixed numbers. If the fraction part of the first mixed number is smaller than the fraction part of the second, you will need to borrow 1 from the whole number of the first mixed number to facilitate the subtraction of the fractions.
2. When borrowing 1, use the same denominator and put the same number in the numerator (ex. if the denominator is 4, then 1 is equivalent to [tex]\(\frac{4}{4}\)[/tex]).
When you borrow 1 from the whole number, you need to convert that 1 into a fraction with the same denominator as the fractions you are working with. For instance, if the denominator is 4, then 1 would be [tex]\(\frac{4}{4}\)[/tex].
3. After combining the 1 with the first fraction, subtract fractions.
Combine the borrowed fraction with the original fraction of the first mixed number. Then, subtract the fractions.
4. Subtract the fractions in the order given, if possible, using a common denominator if needed.
Ensure that the fractions have a common denominator and then perform the subtraction, maintaining the correct order of terms.
5. Subtract integers.
After handling the fractions, subtract the whole number parts of the mixed numbers.
6. Write final answer as a mixed number with the fraction reduced to lowest terms.
Combine the results from subtracting the fractions and the whole numbers. Ensure that the result is written as a mixed number and the fraction part is reduced to its lowest terms.
To summarize:
1. If the first fraction is smaller than the second, a 1 will need to be borrowed from the whole number of the first mixed number.
2. When borrowing 1, use the same denominator and put the same number in the numerator (ex. if the denominator is 4, then 1 is equivalent to [tex]\(\frac{4}{4}\)[/tex]).
3. After combining the 1 with the first fraction, subtract fractions.
4. Subtract the fractions in the order given, if possible, using a common denominator if needed.
5. Subtract integers.
6. Write final answer as a mixed number with the fraction reduced to lowest terms.
