Solve the Fraction Equation: 3/5 - ? = 2/5

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

The denominator tells us what size pieces we're working with. In $ \frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{5} $, we're working with fifths the whole time, so the denominator stays 5. We only subtract the number of pieces (numerators).

Q: What if the denominators were different?

If denominators are different, you must find a common denominator first before subtracting. For example, $ \frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{3} $ becomes $ \frac{3}{6} - \frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{6} $.

Q: How do I solve for the missing fraction?

Think of it like a puzzle: What number minus from 3/5 gives 2/5? Rearrange to: missing fraction = $ \frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{5} $, then subtract the numerators.

Q: Can the missing fraction be zero?

Yes! If the equation was $ \frac{3}{5} - ? = \frac{3}{5} $, then the missing fraction would be $ \frac{0}{5} = 0 $.

Q: How do I check my answer?

Substitute your answer back into the original equation. If $ \frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{5} = \frac{2}{5} $, then your answer is correct! Always verify this way.

Fraction Subtraction with Missing Minuend

Complete the missing fraction
$\frac{3}{5}-_{——}=\frac{2}{5}$

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

00:13 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
$\frac{3}{5}-_{——}=\frac{2}{5}$

What is the missing fraction?

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will subtract the given result fraction from the initial fraction to find the missing fraction.

Step 1: Identify the given fractions.
We are given $\frac{3}{5}$ and need to identify the fraction that, when subtracted, results in $\frac{2}{5}$ .

Step 2: Perform the subtraction on the numerators.
The equation we form is:

$\frac{3}{5} - \text{missing fraction} = \frac{2}{5}$

We rearrange this to solve for the missing fraction:
$\text{missing fraction} = \frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{5}$

Step 3: Calculate the difference of the numerators since the denominators are the same:
$\frac{3 - 2}{5} = \frac{1}{5}$

Thus, the missing fraction is $\frac{1}{5}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{1}{5}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{5}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When denominators are equal, subtract numerators only
Technique: Rearrange equation: missing fraction = $\frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{5} = \frac{1}{5}$
Check: Verify by substituting: $\frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{5} = \frac{2}{5}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting denominators along with numerators
Don't subtract both numerators and denominators like $\frac{3-2}{5-5} = \frac{1}{0}$ = undefined! This creates meaningless results because denominators stay the same in fraction subtraction. Always keep denominators unchanged and only subtract numerators when denominators are equal.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{8}{5}-\frac{4}{5}=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't we subtract the denominators too?

The denominator tells us what size pieces we're working with. In $\frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{5}$ , we're working with fifths the whole time, so the denominator stays 5. We only subtract the number of pieces (numerators).

What if the denominators were different?

If denominators are different, you must find a common denominator first before subtracting. For example, $\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{3}$ becomes $\frac{3}{6} - \frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{6}$ .

How do I solve for the missing fraction?

Think of it like a puzzle: What number minus from 3/5 gives 2/5? Rearrange to: missing fraction = $\frac{3}{5} - \frac{2}{5}$ , then subtract the numerators.

Can the missing fraction be zero?

Yes! If the equation was $\frac{3}{5} - ? = \frac{3}{5}$ , then the missing fraction would be $\frac{0}{5} = 0$ .

How do I check my answer?

Substitute your answer back into the original equation. If $\frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{5} = \frac{2}{5}$ , then your answer is correct! Always verify this way.

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