Question

How can I solve 8 5/6 - 2 1/3=

Answer 1

You turn 8 5/6 and 2 1/3 into improper fractions (8 5/6 becomes 53/6 and 2 1/3 becomes 7/3)

Then you take 53/6 and 7/3 and find a common denominator which is 6
Then you multiply 7x2 and 3x2 which equals to 14/6

53/6 - 14/6 is 39/6
You can leave it as 39/6 or change it into a mixed number, if you make it a mixed number then you would get 6 3/6 which is equivalent to 6 1/2.

Answer 2

There is another method than what the other user has pointed out (both are valid and are up to personal preference as to which are better)

For this method you need to make sure that both the denominators are the same.

(See attached image)

I hope this makes sense!

As a summary; you must make sure that both denominators of the fractions are the same. Whatever number you multiply by for the denominator, use also for the numerator.