Question

perform the indicated operations.
-6\frac{1}{9}-17\frac{2}{3}
-6\frac{1}{9}-17\frac{2}{3}=\square (simplify your answer. type an integer, proper fraction, or mixed number)

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed - numbers to improper fractions

$-6\frac{1}{9}=-\frac{6\times9 + 1}{9}=-\frac{54+1}{9}=-\frac{55}{9}$; $-17\frac{2}{3}=-\frac{17\times3 + 2}{3}=-\frac{51 + 2}{3}=-\frac{53}{3}$.

Step2: Find a common denominator

The common denominator of 9 and 3 is 9. So $-\frac{53}{3}=-\frac{53\times3}{3\times3}=-\frac{159}{9}$.

Step3: Subtract the fractions

$-\frac{55}{9}-\frac{159}{9}=\frac{-55-159}{9}=\frac{-214}{9}=-23\frac{7}{9}$.

Answer:

$-23\frac{7}{9}$