Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Missing Term in 3/8 - ? = 1/8

Fraction Equations with Missing Terms

Complete the missing fraction
38−——=18 \frac{3}{8}-_{——}=\frac{1}{8}

What is the missing fraction?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Let's find the missing fraction.
00:12 Since the result's bottom number is the same, the unknown's bottom number is also the same.
00:18 Now, let's focus on the top numbers and calculate.
00:22 And that's how we solve this problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the missing fraction
38−——=18 \frac{3}{8}-_{——}=\frac{1}{8}

What is the missing fraction?

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the problem using the steps outlined in our analysis:

Start with the equation given in the problem:

38−x=18 \frac{3}{8} - x = \frac{1}{8}

Step 1: Add xx to both sides to isolate it:

38=18+x \frac{3}{8} = \frac{1}{8} + x

Step 2: Subtract 18\frac{1}{8} from both sides to solve for xx:

38−18=x \frac{3}{8} - \frac{1}{8} = x

Step 3: Simplify the left side of the equation:

  • Subtract the numerators: 3−1=23 - 1 = 2
  • Maintain the common denominator: 8

So we have:

28=x \frac{2}{8} = x

Therefore, the missing fraction is 28\frac{2}{8}.

Matching our solution to the answer choices, the correct choice is:

Choice 3: 28\frac{2}{8}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 28\frac{2}{8}.

3

Final Answer

28 \frac{2}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Use inverse operations to isolate the unknown fraction
  • Technique: Rearrange 38−x=18 \frac{3}{8} - x = \frac{1}{8} to x=38−18 x = \frac{3}{8} - \frac{1}{8}
  • Check: Verify 38−28=18 \frac{3}{8} - \frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{8} equals the original result ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting in wrong direction
    Don't assume the missing fraction equals 18−38=−28 \frac{1}{8} - \frac{3}{8} = -\frac{2}{8} ! This gives a negative answer because you're working backwards from the equation. Always rearrange first: if a−x=b a - x = b , then x=a−b x = a - b .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't the missing fraction be 18 \frac{1}{8} ?

+

Let's check: 38−18=28 \frac{3}{8} - \frac{1}{8} = \frac{2}{8} , not 18 \frac{1}{8} ! The missing fraction must make the equation balance correctly.

How do I subtract fractions with the same denominator?

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When denominators are the same, just subtract the numerators and keep the denominator: 38−18=3−18=28 \frac{3}{8} - \frac{1}{8} = \frac{3-1}{8} = \frac{2}{8} .

What if I rearrange the equation differently?

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You can also think of it as: "What do I subtract from 38 \frac{3}{8} to get 18 \frac{1}{8} ?" The answer is still 28 \frac{2}{8} !

Should I simplify 28 \frac{2}{8} to 14 \frac{1}{4} ?

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Both forms are correct, but since the problem uses eighths throughout, 28 \frac{2}{8} matches the answer choices and keeps everything consistent.

How do I check my answer is right?

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Substitute back into the original equation: 38−28=18 \frac{3}{8} - \frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{8} . Since both sides equal 18 \frac{1}{8} , your answer is correct!

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