A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined.

The minuend is the first number in a subtraction. The number from which another number is to be subtracted.

The subtrahend is the number that is to be subtracted. The second number in a subtraction.

Choose efficient approaches when subtracting mixed numbers

Maths

In this unit pupils will add mixed numbers They will subtract a proper fraction from a mixed number and subtract a mixed number from a mixed number explaining which strategy is most efficient In the future unit pupils will explain the relationship between repeated addition of a proper fraction and multiplication of fractions They will multiply a proper fraction by a whole number

In the prior unit pupils expressed and converted a quantity from an improper fraction to a mixed number and explained how a mixed number was converted into an improper fraction. In this unit pupils will add mixed numbers. They will subtract a proper fraction from a mixed number and subtract a mixed number from a mixed number explaining which strategy is most efficient 

Efficient strategies for adding and subtracting mixed numbers (crossing a whole)

Use counting back (reduction) to solve the calculation $$5{{1} \over {7}}$$ − $$1{{3} \over {7}}$$ equals three and {{ }} sevenths 

Use partitioning to solve the calculation $$6{{5} \over {7}}$$ − $$1{{3} \over {7}}$$ equals five and {{ }} sevenths

Use ‘finding the difference’ by counting on to solve $$6{{2} \over {7}}$$ − $$5{{5} \over {7}}$$

By expressing these mixed numbers as improper fractions, calculate this: 
$$9{{2} \over {8}}$$ - $$3{{5} \over {8}}$$ =

In a sequence decreasing by one and one-sixth, what would come next?

In a sequence decreasing by one and three-fifths, what would come next?

$$ {4} \over {5}$$ − $$ {3} \over {5}$$ =

Match the mixed number to their equivalent improper fraction.

Match the improper fractions to their equivalent mixed number.

Use the number line to complete the sentence: the difference between $$3{{2} \over {8}}$$ and $$2{{5} \over {8}}$$ is {{ }} eighths 

Complete the missing box to make the equation correct.

Starter Quiz