Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Missing Term in 3/4 - ? = 2/4

Think of it like this: if you start with $\frac{3}{4}$ and end up with $\frac{2}{4}$, you need to find what was taken away. So subtract the ending amount from the starting amount!

When fractions have the same denominator, the denominator stays the same! You only subtract the numerators: $\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3-1}{4} = \frac{2}{4}$.

If denominators are different, you'd need to find a common denominator first, then convert both fractions before subtracting. Lucky for us, both fractions already have 4 as the denominator!

Yes! Always check if your answer can be simplified. In this case, $\frac{1}{4}$ is already in simplest form because 1 and 4 have no common factors other than 1.

Substitute your answer back into the original equation: $\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4}$. If it equals $\frac{2}{4}$, you're right!