The Formula Method to do subtraction of mixed numbers

Subtraction of fractions involving mixed numbers confuses many pupils because of the many forms of the questions and the many alternative methods of performing the algorithm. The researcher created three formulae to do subtraction of mixed numbers. This study is a priori study to determine the effectiveness of using the three formulae which is called the “Formula Method” in doing subtraction of mixed numbers. The study involved five Year 5 Malaysian Primary school pupils in an urban primary school who were selected from 20 students who sat for a test on subtraction of mixed numbers. The participants for the study were pupils who demonstrated difficulties doing subtraction of mixed numbers.