Solve Fraction Subtraction: 5/5 - 1/5 Step-by-Step

Fraction Subtraction with Same Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

55−15=? \frac{5}{5}-\frac{1}{5}=\text{?}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Let's solve this math problem together.
00:10 First, we'll subtract with a common denominator.
00:13 Next, calculate the numerator carefully.
00:17 And there you have it! That's the solution to our question.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

55−15=? \frac{5}{5}-\frac{1}{5}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we can follow the simple steps of subtracting fractions with the same denominator:

  • Step 1: Identify that both fractions have the same denominator. Here, both denominators are 5.
  • Step 2: Subtract the numerators directly. The numerators are 5 and 1.
  • Step 3: Calculate the difference in the numerators: 5−1=4 5 - 1 = 4 .
  • Step 4: Keep the common denominator the same. Hence, the difference is 45\frac{4}{5}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem 55−15 \frac{5}{5} - \frac{1}{5} is 45 \frac{4}{5} .

3

Final Answer

45 \frac{4}{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: When denominators are equal, subtract only the numerators
  • Technique: Keep denominator 5, subtract numerators: 5 - 1 = 4
  • Check: Verify 45 \frac{4}{5} + 15 \frac{1}{5} = 55 \frac{5}{5} = 1 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting both numerators and denominators
    Don't subtract 5-1 in numerator AND 5-1 in denominator = 44 \frac{4}{4} = 1! This changes the value of both fractions. Always keep the common denominator unchanged and 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?

+

The denominator tells us what size pieces we're working with. Since both fractions are in fifths, we keep working in fifths! Only the number of pieces (numerator) changes when we subtract.

What does 55 \frac{5}{5} actually mean?

+

55 \frac{5}{5} means you have 5 out of 5 equal parts - that's a complete whole, which equals 1! So we're really calculating 1 - 15 \frac{1}{5} .

How can I visualize this problem?

+

Think of a pizza cut into 5 equal slices. You start with all 5 slices (55 \frac{5}{5} ), then eat 1 slice (15 \frac{1}{5} ). You're left with 4 slices (45 \frac{4}{5} )!

Do I need to simplify 45 \frac{4}{5} ?

+

No! 45 \frac{4}{5} is already in simplest form because 4 and 5 don't share any common factors other than 1.

What if the answer was 05 \frac{0}{5} ?

+

05 \frac{0}{5} would equal 0, meaning you have zero pieces out of 5. Any fraction with 0 in the numerator equals 0!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Operations with Fractions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations

Subtraction of Fractions

Solve the Fraction Equation: Subtracting 2/3 from 2/3
Click to solve
Solve the Fraction Problem: 6/5 minus 2/5
Click to solve