Solve Mixed Number Subtraction: 4½ - 2½

To solve the problem $4\frac{1}{2} - 2\frac{1}{2}$, we need to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Identify the components of each mixed number.
  $4\frac{1}{2}$ consists of a whole number $4$ and a fraction $\frac{1}{2}$.
  $2\frac{1}{2}$ consists of a whole number $2$ and a fraction $\frac{1}{2}$.
• Step 2: Subtract the whole numbers.
  Subtract the whole number of the second from the first: $4 - 2 = 2$.
• Step 3: Subtract the fractions.
  Since both fractions are $\frac{1}{2}$, subtract them: $\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{2} = 0$.
• Step 4: Combine the results.
  The result from the whole numbers is $2$, and the result from the fractions is $0$. So, $2 + 0 = 2$.

Therefore, the answer to the problem $4\frac{1}{2} - 2\frac{1}{2}$ is $2$.