Mastering Subtraction with Fractions: A Kaplan Exam Strategy

Understanding fractions can feel intimidating, especially when it comes time for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. If you've ever found yourself scratching your head over how to subtract fractions like 5/9 and 2/5, you’re not alone. But don’t sweat it; I’m here to break it down for you in a way that’s not just informative but also engaging!

To tackle this subtraction problem, first, let's identify the common denominator. You’ll want to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators—in this case, 9 and 5. Spoiler alert: it's 45. You can think about it like unifying two different teams, bringing them together for a championship. Here's where the fun starts!

Now, let’s convert both fractions, ensuring they speak the same mathematical language. For the fraction (5/9), we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 5 (that's right, no shortcuts here)—which leads us to a new fraction of (25/45). Need a moment to catch your breath? No problem, just sip your coffee (or tea) as we proceed.

Next up, for (2/5), we take a similar route. Multiply both parts by 9, arriving at (18/45). At this point, we have two fractions that are ready to rumble: (25/45) and (18/45).

Here's the magic moment! To perform the subtraction, we simply take the numerators and put them over the common denominator:

[ \frac{25}{45} - \frac{18}{45} = \frac{(25 - 18)}{45} = \frac{7}{45} ]

Voilà! The result is (7/45). Pretty simple, right? But what’s even cooler is how this exercise ties back to real-world scenarios. Nurses regularly use fractions to calculate medication dosages or IV drip rates, making this practice invaluable.

So there you have it—navigating the world of fractions doesn’t have to feel like climbing Everest. With the right approach and a little practice, you'll not only grasp subtraction but also be well-prepared for that Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. Keep practicing, stay calm, and soon enough, you’ll look at fractions like a pro!