Solve 31/6--21/2

$$3 \frac { 1 } { 6 } - - 2 \frac { 1 } { 2 }$$

Evaluate

$$\frac{17}{3}\approx 5.666666667$$

Solution Steps

Multiply 3 and 6 to get 18.

$$\frac{18+1}{6}-\left(-\frac{2\times 2+1}{2}\right)$$

Add 18 and 1 to get 19.

$$\frac{19}{6}-\left(-\frac{2\times 2+1}{2}\right)$$

Multiply 2 and 2 to get 4.

$$\frac{19}{6}-\left(-\frac{4+1}{2}\right)$$

Add 4 and 1 to get 5.

$$\frac{19}{6}-\left(-\frac{5}{2}\right)$$

The opposite of -\frac{5}{2} is \frac{5}{2}.

$$\frac{19}{6}+\frac{5}{2}$$

Least common multiple of 6 and 2 is 6. Convert \frac{19}{6} and \frac{5}{2} to fractions with denominator 6.

$$\frac{19}{6}+\frac{15}{6}$$

Since \frac{19}{6} and \frac{15}{6} have the same denominator, add them by adding their numerators.

$$\frac{19+15}{6}$$

Add 19 and 15 to get 34.

$$\frac{34}{6}$$

Reduce the fraction \frac{34}{6} to lowest terms by extracting and canceling out 2.

$$\frac{17}{3}$$

Factor

$$\frac{17}{3} = 5\frac{2}{3} = 5.666666666666667$$