Question

Subtract $15\frac{3}{5}$ from $17\frac{2}{3}$

• A. $1\frac{5}{6}$
• B. 2
• C. -2
• D. $\frac{21}{5}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C: $2\frac{1}{15}$

We shall first convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions, as follows:

$15\frac{3}{5}$ = $\frac{15\times 5+3}{5}$ = $\frac{78}{5}$

$17\frac{2}{3}$ = $\frac{17\times 3+2}{3}$ = $\frac{53}{3}$

Making the denominator same, we have

$\frac{78}{5}$ = $\frac{78\times 3}{5\times 3}$ = $\frac{234}{15}$

$\frac{53}{3}$ = $\frac{53\times 5}{3\times 5}$ = $\frac{265}{15}$

So, $17\frac{2}{3}$ - $15\frac{3}{5}$ = $\frac{53}{3}-\frac{78}{5}=\frac{265-234}{15}=\frac{31}{15}=2\frac{1}{15}$