Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Missing Term in 2/3 - ? = 1/3

Q: How do I know which fraction to subtract from which?

Look at the equation structure! In $ \frac{2}{3} - ? = \frac{1}{3} $, you need to find what number makes this true. Rearrange to get $ ? = \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{3} $.

Q: Why can I subtract the numerators directly?

Because both fractions have the same denominator (3)! When denominators are identical, just subtract the numerators: $ \frac{2-1}{3} = \frac{1}{3} $.

Q: What if the denominators were different?

You'd need to find a common denominator first, then convert both fractions before subtracting. But this problem is easier since both already have denominator 3!

Q: How can I check my answer is correct?

Substitute your answer back into the original equation: $ \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3} $. If both sides equal the same value, you're right!

Q: Is there another way to think about this problem?

Yes! You can think of it as "What do I subtract from 2 thirds to get 1 third?" The visual approach helps: 2 pieces minus 1 piece equals 1 piece.

Fraction Equations with Missing Terms

Complete the missing fraction
$\frac{2}{3}-_{——}=\frac{1}{3}$

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 unknown

00:03 If the denominator of the result equals the given denominator, then the denominator of the unknown is identical

00:08 Now we'll calculate the numerator of the unknown according to the numerators

00:16 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
$\frac{2}{3}-_{——}=\frac{1}{3}$

What is the missing fraction?

Step-by-step solution

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

Identify the fractions involved: $\frac{2}{3}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ .
Recognize that the denominators are the same, which simplifies subtraction.
Subtract the fraction $\frac{1}{3}$ from $\frac{2}{3}$ to determine the missing fraction.

Let’s calculate the missing fraction:

Given the equation:

$\frac{2}{3} - \text{missing fraction} = \frac{1}{3}$

Rearrange to solve for the missing fraction:

$\text{missing fraction} = \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{3}$

Because the fractions have a common denominator, subtract the numerators:

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

The missing fraction is thus $\frac{1}{3}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{1}{3}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{3}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Rearrange equation to isolate the missing term
Technique: $\frac{2}{3} - x = \frac{1}{3}$ becomes $x = \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{3}$
Check: Substitute back: $\frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Trying to solve without rearranging the equation
Don't just subtract fractions randomly without identifying what equals what = confusion and wrong answers! This leads to mixing up which fraction should be subtracted from which. Always rearrange first to isolate the missing term on one side.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which fraction to subtract from which?

Look at the equation structure! In $\frac{2}{3} - ? = \frac{1}{3}$ , you need to find what number makes this true. Rearrange to get $? = \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{3}$ .

Why can I subtract the numerators directly?

Because both fractions have the same denominator (3)! When denominators are identical, just subtract the numerators: $\frac{2-1}{3} = \frac{1}{3}$ .

What if the denominators were different?

You'd need to find a common denominator first, then convert both fractions before subtracting. But this problem is easier since both already have denominator 3!

How can I check my answer is correct?

Substitute your answer back into the original equation: $\frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3}$ . If both sides equal the same value, you're right!

Is there another way to think about this problem?

Yes! You can think of it as "What do I subtract from 2 thirds to get 1 third?" The visual approach helps: 2 pieces minus 1 piece equals 1 piece.

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Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Missing Term in 2/3 - ? = 1/3

Fraction Equations with Missing Terms

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

Step-by-step video solution

Step-by-step written solution

Understand the problem

Step-by-step solution

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Common Mistakes

Practice Quiz

FAQ

How do I know which fraction to subtract from which?

Why can I subtract the numerators directly?

What if the denominators were different?

How can I check my answer is correct?

Is there another way to think about this problem?

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

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