Calculating Mathematical Expressions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 121 views

Introduction

Mathematics is a fundamental subject that plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It is a subject that deals with numbers, quantities, and shapes. Mathematical operations are the building blocks of mathematics, and mastering them is essential for solving mathematical problems. In this article, we will focus on calculating mathematical expressions, subtracting fractions, and simplifying complex expressions.

Calculating Mathematical Expressions

Calculating mathematical expressions involves adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers. In this section, we will focus on calculating mathematical expressions involving decimals and integers.

Example 1: Calculating $-4.5 + 3.8 - 4 + 6.51$

To calculate this expression, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Parentheses: None
Exponents: None
Multiplication and Division: None
Addition and Subtraction: Perform from left to right

-4.5 + 3.8 = -0.7
-0.7 - 4 = -4.7
-4.7 + 6.51 = 1.81

Therefore, the result of the expression $-4.5 + 3.8 - 4 + 6.51$ is 1.81.

Example 2: Calculating $\frac{5}{2} + \frac{2}{3}$

To calculate this expression, we need to find a common denominator for the two fractions. The least common multiple (LCM) of 2 and 3 is 6.

$\frac{5}{2} = \frac{5 \times 3}{2 \times 3} = \frac{15}{6}$
$\frac{2}{3} = \frac{2 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{4}{6}$
$\frac{15}{6} + \frac{4}{6} = \frac{19}{6}$

Therefore, the result of the expression $\frac{5}{2} + \frac{2}{3}$ is $\frac{19}{6}$ .

Subtracting Fractions

Subtracting fractions involves finding a common denominator and then subtracting the numerators.

Example 1: Subtracting $2 \frac{1}{2}$ from $5 \frac{1}{4}$

To subtract these fractions, we need to convert them to improper fractions.

$2 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{5}{2}$
$5 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{5 \times 4 + 1}{4} = \frac{21}{4}$

Now, we can subtract the fractions:

$\frac{21}{4} - \frac{5}{2} = \frac{21}{4} - \frac{5 \times 2}{2 \times 2} = \frac{21}{4} - \frac{10}{4} = \frac{11}{4}$

Therefore, the result of the expression $5 \frac{1}{4} - 2 \frac{1}{2}$ is $2 \frac{3}{4}$ .

Example 2: Subtracting $(-54 - 23)$ from $(90 - 36)$

To subtract these expressions, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):

Parentheses: Evaluate the expressions inside the parentheses
Exponents: None
Multiplication and Division: None
Addition and Subtraction: Perform from left to right

$-54 - 23 = -77$
$90 - 36 = 54$

Now, we can subtract the expressions:

$54 - (-77) = 54 + 77 = 131$

Therefore, the result of the expression $(90 - 36) - (-54 - 23)$ is 131.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering mathematical operations is essential for solving mathematical problems. Calculating mathematical expressions, subtracting fractions, and simplifying complex expressions are all important skills that require practice and patience. By following the order of operations and using the correct techniques, we can solve mathematical problems with confidence and accuracy.

Discussion

What are some common mathematical operations that you struggle with? How do you approach solving mathematical problems? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Additional Resources

For more information on mathematical operations, check out the following resources:

Khan Academy: Mathematical Operations
Mathway: Mathematical Operations
Wolfram Alpha: Mathematical Operations

Final Thoughts

Q: What is the order of operations?

A: The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us which operations to perform first when we have multiple operations in an expression. The order of operations is:

Parentheses: Evaluate the expressions inside the parentheses first.
Exponents: Evaluate any exponential expressions next.
Multiplication and Division: Evaluate any multiplication and division operations from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: Finally, evaluate any addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

Q: How do I add and subtract fractions?

A: To add and subtract fractions, we need to find a common denominator. The common denominator is the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions.

For example, to add $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ , we need to find a common denominator:

$\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 3}{2 \times 3} = \frac{3}{6}$
$\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{2}{6}$
$\frac{3}{6} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{5}{6}$

Q: How do I subtract a negative number?

A: To subtract a negative number, we need to change the subtraction sign to an addition sign and change the sign of the number being subtracted.

For example, to subtract $-5$ from $10$ , we need to change the subtraction sign to an addition sign and change the sign of the number being subtracted:

$10 - (-5) = 10 + 5 = 15$

Q: How do I simplify complex fractions?

A: To simplify complex fractions, we need to multiply the numerator and denominator by the reciprocal of the denominator.

For example, to simplify $\frac{\frac{1}{2}}{\frac{3}{4}}$ , we need to multiply the numerator and denominator by the reciprocal of the denominator:

$\frac{\frac{1}{2}}{\frac{3}{4}} = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{4}{3} = \frac{2}{3}$

Q: What is the difference between a fraction and a decimal?

A: A fraction is a way of expressing a part of a whole as a ratio of two numbers. A decimal is a way of expressing a fraction as a number with a point separating the whole number part from the fractional part.

For example, the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ is equal to the decimal $0.5$ .

Q: How do I convert a fraction to a decimal?

A: To convert a fraction to a decimal, we need to divide the numerator by the denominator.

For example, to convert the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ to a decimal, we need to divide the numerator by the denominator:

$\frac{1}{2} = 0.5$

Q: How do I convert a decimal to a fraction?

A: To convert a decimal to a fraction, we need to express the decimal as a ratio of two numbers.

For example, to convert the decimal $0.5$ to a fraction, we need to express the decimal as a ratio of two numbers:

$0.5 = \frac{1}{2}$

Q: What is the difference between a mixed number and an improper fraction?

A: A mixed number is a way of expressing a number as a combination of a whole number and a fraction. An improper fraction is a way of expressing a number as a fraction with a numerator that is greater than the denominator.

For example, the mixed number $2 \frac{1}{2}$ is equal to the improper fraction $\frac{5}{2}$ .

Q: How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

A: To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, we need to multiply the whole number part by the denominator and add the numerator.

For example, to convert the mixed number $2 \frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction, we need to multiply the whole number part by the denominator and add the numerator:

$2 \frac{1}{2} = 2 \times 2 + 1 = 5$
$\frac{5}{2}$

Q: How do I convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

A: To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, we need to divide the numerator by the denominator and express the result as a combination of a whole number and a fraction.

For example, to convert the improper fraction $\frac{5}{2}$ to a mixed number, we need to divide the numerator by the denominator and express the result as a combination of a whole number and a fraction:

$\frac{5}{2} = 2 \frac{1}{2}$

Conclusion

In conclusion, mathematical operations are the building blocks of mathematics, and mastering them is essential for solving mathematical problems. By following the order of operations and using the correct techniques, we can solve mathematical problems with confidence and accuracy. Remember to always follow the order of operations and use the correct techniques to solve mathematical problems. Happy calculating!