Why can 4 1/3 be renamed as 3 4/3 when subtracting?

Q: What will my child learn in "Explain regrouping in mixed-number subtraction"?

Explain how one whole becomes a fraction with the needed denominator. This 5th Grade Math lesson builds the skill Add and subtract mixed numbers with a concept card and practice.

Q: What grade level is "Explain regrouping in mixed-number subtraction" for?

"Explain regrouping in mixed-number subtraction" is a 5th Grade Math lesson in the Multiply fractions unit, designed for students around ages 10-11.

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Question

Why can 4 1/3 be renamed as 3 4/3 when subtracting?

Accepted Answer

Because 1 whole can be regrouped as 3/3, so 4 1/3 = 3 + 3/3 + 1/3 = 3 4/3.