Solve the Fraction Equation: 2/4 - 1/4 Step-by-Step

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

The denominator tells you what size pieces you're working with. Since both fractions use fourths ($ \frac{1}{4} $ pieces), you only subtract how many pieces: 2 pieces minus 1 piece equals 1 piece of the same size.

Q: Can I simplify the answer further?

$ \frac{1}{4} $ is already in simplest form because 1 and 4 share no common factors other than 1. Always check if your final fraction can be reduced!

Q: How do I check if my answer is correct?

Add your answer back to the second fraction: $ \frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{4}=\frac{2}{4} $. This should equal the first fraction, which it does! This addition check confirms your subtraction is right.

Fraction Subtraction with Like Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{2}{4}-\frac{1}{4}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:08 Let's solve the problem together.

00:11 First, count the squares given. This helps us understand how many we have.

00:17 Next, take away squares based on the fraction provided. Picture this as removing a part.

00:23 The squares left are your numerator. Yes, that's the top number!

00:29 The denominator is how many parts we divided the whole into.

00:33 Great job! That's how we solve this question.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{2}{4}-\frac{1}{4}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

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

Step 1: Identify the given fractions and their denominators.
Step 2: Use the subtraction formula for fractions with like denominators.
Step 3: Calculate the result by subtracting the numerators and keeping the denominator constant.

Let's proceed with these steps:
Step 1: We are given the fractions $\frac{2}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$ . Both fractions have a denominator of 4.
Step 2: Since the denominators are the same, we apply the formula for subtracting fractions: $\frac{a}{b} - \frac{c}{b} = \frac{a-c}{b}$ .
Step 3: Subtract the numerators: $2 - 1 = 1$ . Keep the denominator 4 unchanged. Therefore, $\frac{2}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{4}$ .

Thus, the solution to the problem is $\frac{1}{4}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{4}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When denominators match, subtract numerators and keep denominator unchanged
Technique: For $\frac{2}{4}-\frac{1}{4}$ , calculate 2-1=1, result is $\frac{1}{4}$
Check: Verify $\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{4}=\frac{2}{4}$ matches original first fraction ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting denominators instead of keeping them the same
Don't subtract both numerators AND denominators like 2-1 and 4-4 = $\frac{1}{0}$ ! This creates undefined results. Always keep the denominator unchanged when subtracting fractions with like denominators.

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 you what size pieces you're working with. Since both fractions use fourths ( $\frac{1}{4}$ pieces), you only subtract how many pieces: 2 pieces minus 1 piece equals 1 piece of the same size.

What if the denominators were different?

Great question! If denominators don't match, you'd need to find a common denominator first. But here both fractions already have 4 as the denominator, so we can subtract directly.

Can I simplify the answer further?

$\frac{1}{4}$ is already in simplest form because 1 and 4 share no common factors other than 1. Always check if your final fraction can be reduced!

How do I check if my answer is correct?

Add your answer back to the second fraction: $\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{4}=\frac{2}{4}$ . This should equal the first fraction, which it does! This addition check confirms your subtraction is right.

Is there a faster way to do this?

With like denominators, this is already the fastest method! Just remember the pattern: same bottom, subtract tops. The denominator stays 4, and 2-1=1, so $\frac{1}{4}$ .

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