Solve for the Missing Fraction: 5/6 - ? = 2/6

Q: Why don't I subtract the denominators too?

When fractions have the same denominator, you're working with the same-sized pieces! You only count how many pieces change (the numerators), not the size of each piece (denominator).

Q: How do I solve for the missing fraction?

Think of it like a regular subtraction problem! If $ \frac{5}{6} - ? = \frac{2}{6} $, ask yourself: what number minus from 5 gives me 2? The answer is 3!

Q: Can I convert these to mixed numbers first?

You could, but it's much easier to work with improper fractions when they're already simple like $ \frac{5}{6} $. Save mixed numbers for when fractions are larger than 1.

Q: What if the denominators were different?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first! But lucky for this problem, both fractions already have the same denominator (6), so you can subtract directly.

Q: Should I simplify my final answer?

Always check if you can! $ \frac{3}{6} $ can be simplified to $ \frac{1}{2} $, but both forms are correct. The problem likely expects $ \frac{3}{6} $ since that matches the denominator pattern.

Fraction Subtraction with Missing Terms

Complete the missing fraction
$\frac{5}{6}-_{——}=\frac{2}{6}$

What is the missing fraction?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Find the missing fraction

00:03 Since the result's denominator is identical to the fraction, then the unknown's denominator is also identical

00:08 Now let's calculate according to the numerators

00:14 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Complete the missing fraction
$\frac{5}{6}-_{——}=\frac{2}{6}$

What is the missing fraction?

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the fractions in the problem.
Step 2: Use the subtraction property of fractions with the same denominator.
Step 3: Solve for the missing fraction.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: We are given $\frac{5}{6} - \text{missing fraction} = \frac{2}{6}$ .
Step 2: Using the property of subtraction, we can set up the equation as follows:
Let the missing fraction be $\frac{x}{6}$ . Then:
$\frac{5}{6} - \frac{x}{6} = \frac{2}{6}$

Step 3: By manipulating the numerators, we have:
$5 - x = 2$
Solving for $x$ , we get:
$x = 5 - 2 = 3$

Therefore, the missing fraction is $\frac{3}{6}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{3}{6}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When subtracting fractions with same denominator, subtract numerators only
Technique: Set up equation: $\frac{5}{6} - \frac{x}{6} = \frac{2}{6}$ becomes 5 - x = 2
Check: Verify by substituting: $\frac{5}{6} - \frac{3}{6} = \frac{2}{6}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting denominators along with numerators
Don't subtract both 5-3 and 6-6 to get 2/0! This creates undefined fractions and completely wrong answers. Always keep the denominator the same when fractions have identical denominators - only subtract the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{3}{2}-\frac{1}{2}=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I subtract the denominators too?

When fractions have the same denominator, you're working with the same-sized pieces! You only count how many pieces change (the numerators), not the size of each piece (denominator).

How do I solve for the missing fraction?

Think of it like a regular subtraction problem! If $\frac{5}{6} - ? = \frac{2}{6}$ , ask yourself: what number minus from 5 gives me 2? The answer is 3!

Can I convert these to mixed numbers first?

You could, but it's much easier to work with improper fractions when they're already simple like $\frac{5}{6}$ . Save mixed numbers for when fractions are larger than 1.

What if the denominators were different?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first! But lucky for this problem, both fractions already have the same denominator (6), so you can subtract directly.

Should I simplify my final answer?

Always check if you can! $\frac{3}{6}$ can be simplified to $\frac{1}{2}$ , but both forms are correct. The problem likely expects $\frac{3}{6}$ since that matches the denominator pattern.

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