Subtracting a Fraction from a Whole Number | Math with Mr. J - Free Printable

Let’s solve this step by step.

We are asked to subtract a fraction from a whole number:

6 - 5/8 = ?

Step 1: Think of the whole number (6) as a fraction with denominator 8, so we can subtract easily.

Since 6 is the same as 6/1, and we want denominator 8, multiply numerator and denominator by 8:

→ 6 = 6 × 8 / 8 = 48/8

(Why? Because 48 ÷ 8 = 6 — that checks out!)

Step 2: Now subtract 5/8 from 48/8:

→ 48/8 - 5/8 = (48 - 5)/8 = 43/8

Step 3: Simplify if needed. 43 divided by 8 is 5 with a remainder of 3.

So, 43/8 = 5 and 3/8

✔ Double-check:
- 5 and 3/8 means 5 + 3/8 = 40/8 + 3/8 = 43/8 → correct.
- And 43/8 is what we got after subtracting 5/8 from 48/8 → also correct.

Final Answer:
5 3/8