Problem 61 - Algebra 1: Concepts and Skills

Question

Find the difference. $$ -\frac{2}{3}-\left(-\frac{7}{3}\right) $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The difference is \(1 \frac{2}{3}\).

Step 1: Identify the Numbers

The numbers you're subtracting are \(-\frac{2}{3}\) and \(-\frac{7}{3}\). The negative sign in front of the second fraction will be removed because you are subtracting a negative.

Step 2: Subtract the Fractions

Subtract \(-\frac{7}{3}\) from \(-\frac{2}{3}\). The formula for subtraction is 'minus a minus equals plus', which means you will essentially be adding \(\frac{7}{3}\) to \(-\frac{2}{3}\) . So, \(-\frac{2}{3} + \frac{7}{3} = \frac{5}{3}\).

Step 3: Convert Fraction to Mixed Number

The final step is to convert the improper fraction \(\frac{5}{3}\) to a mixed number. Dividing 5 by 3 gives 1 remainder 2. Therefore, \(\frac{5}{3}\) equals \(1 \frac{2}{3}\).