IWCF UK Branch Distance Learning Programme DRILLING CALCULATIONS

Example Subtracting fractions

Subtract

2 1

3 2

The common denominator could be 6 because

3 will divide into 6
2 will divide into 6
So convert both fractions to sixths
2 2u 2 4
3 3u 2 6

1
2

1u 3
2u3

3
6

Then subtract
4 3 1

6 6 6
Example Subtracting mixed numbers
Subtract

3 1
2 1
4 3

The easiest way to subtract mixed numbers is to convert to improper fractions.

3 11
1 4
2
1
4 4
3 3
We now have
11 4

4 3
The lowest common denominator is 12 because 3 x 4 = 12
11 11u 3 33
4 4 u 4 16
4 4 u 3 12
3 3 u 4 12
We now have
33 16

12 12

17
12

17
must be converted to a mixed number
12

Part 1 Section 4

5
1
12

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IWCF UK Branch Distance Learning Programme DRILLING CALCULATIONS

Try some yourself . . . Exercise 1.23

1.

1 1

5 10

2.

2 1

7 14

3.

1 3

2 8

4.

3 1

8 4

5.

3 3
1 
4 4

Important Note
Whilst we still use fractions on the rig for some measurements, particularly
diameters, we do not normally have to use them in calculations.
On the rig we would normally convert the fractions to decimals and perform the
calculations with a calculator.

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