Question

subtract the fractions and reduce to lowest terms. (enter your answer as a simplified mixed number.)
$12\frac{1}{10} - 4\frac{1}{5}$

Explanation:

Step1: Convert to improper fractions

First, convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions. For \(12\frac{1}{10}\), we have \(12\times10 + 1 = 121\), so it becomes \(\frac{121}{10}\). For \(4\frac{1}{5}\), we have \(4\times5 + 1 = 21\), so it becomes \(\frac{21}{5}\). But we need a common denominator, so rewrite \(\frac{21}{5}\) with denominator 10: \(\frac{21\times2}{5\times2}=\frac{42}{10}\).

Step2: Subtract the fractions

Now subtract: \(\frac{121}{10}-\frac{42}{10}=\frac{121 - 42}{10}=\frac{79}{10}\).

Step3: Convert back to mixed number

Convert \(\frac{79}{10}\) back to a mixed number: \(79\div10 = 7\) with a remainder of 9, so it is \(7\frac{9}{10}\).

Answer:

\(7\frac{9}{10}\)