Solve the Fraction Problem: 5/7 minus 3/7 Step-by-Step

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

The denominator tells you what type of pieces you're working with. Since both fractions are sevenths, you're subtracting the same type of pieces, so the denominator stays 7.

Q: What if the denominators were different?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first! Convert both fractions so they have the same denominator, then subtract the numerators.

Q: What if I get zero as my answer?

That's possible! If you subtract $ \frac{3}{7} - \frac{3}{7} $, you get $ \frac{0}{7} = 0 $. Any fraction with zero in the numerator equals zero.

Fraction Subtraction with Common Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{5}{7}-\frac{3}{7}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Subtract in common denominator

00:08 Calculate the numerator

00:11 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

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{5}{7}-\frac{3}{7}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

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

Step 1: Identify the given fractions, $\frac{5}{7}$ and $\frac{3}{7}$ , which have a common denominator of 7.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators, because the denominators are the same: $5 - 3$ .
Step 3: Write the result over the common denominator: $\frac{5-3}{7} = \frac{2}{7}$ .

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: We recognize that both fractions have the same denominator, 7.

Step 2: We focus on subtracting the numerators: $5 - 3 = 2$ .

Step 3: We keep the denominator the same: $\frac{2}{7}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{2}{7}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{2}{7}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Keep the denominator same when subtracting like fractions
Technique: Subtract only numerators: $5 - 3 = 2$
Check: Verify $\frac{2}{7} + \frac{3}{7} = \frac{5}{7}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting both numerators and denominators
Don't subtract denominators like $\frac{5}{7} - \frac{3}{7} = \frac{2}{4}$ = wrong answer! This changes the fraction's value completely. Always keep the common denominator and subtract only the numerators.

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 type of pieces you're working with. Since both fractions are sevenths, you're subtracting the same type of pieces, so the denominator stays 7.

What if the denominators were different?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first! Convert both fractions so they have the same denominator, then subtract the numerators.

How can I picture this problem?

Imagine a pizza cut into 7 equal slices. You have 5 slices, then eat 3 slices. You're left with $\frac{2}{7}$ of the pizza!

Do I need to simplify my answer?

Always check if your answer can be simplified! In this case, $\frac{2}{7}$ is already in lowest terms because 2 and 7 share no common factors.

What if I get zero as my answer?

That's possible! If you subtract $\frac{3}{7} - \frac{3}{7}$ , you get $\frac{0}{7} = 0$ . Any fraction with zero in the numerator equals zero.

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