Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 1/2 - 2/8 Step-by-Step

Fraction Subtraction with Common Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

1228=? \frac{1}{2}-\frac{2}{8}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Multiply the fraction by 4 to reach the common denominator
00:07 Make sure to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:15 Calculate the multiplications
00:22 Subtract with the common denominator
00:28 Calculate the numerator
00:34 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:37 Make sure to divide both numerator and denominator
00:41 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

1228=? \frac{1}{2}-\frac{2}{8}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Find a common denominator for both fractions.
  • Step 2: Convert the fractions to have the same denominator.
  • Step 3: Perform the subtraction with the converted fractions.
  • Step 4: Simplify the result, if needed.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The problem gives us the fractions 12\frac{1}{2} and 28\frac{2}{8}. The denominator 22 can be converted to 88 (the denominator of the second fraction) by multiplying by 4.
Step 2: Convert 12\frac{1}{2} to 48\frac{4}{8}, since 1×42×4=48\frac{1 \times 4}{2 \times 4} = \frac{4}{8}. Now both fractions have a denominator of 8.
Step 3: Perform the subtraction: 4828=428=28\frac{4}{8} - \frac{2}{8} = \frac{4 - 2}{8} = \frac{2}{8}.
Step 4: Simplify 28\frac{2}{8} by dividing both numerator and denominator by 2: 2÷28÷2=14\frac{2 \div 2}{8 \div 2} = \frac{1}{4}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 14 \frac{1}{4} .

3

Final Answer

14 \frac{1}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert fractions to same denominator before subtracting numerators
  • Technique: Transform 12 \frac{1}{2} to 48 \frac{4}{8} by multiplying by 4/4
  • Check: Verify 14=28 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2}{8} when simplified from 28 \frac{2}{8}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators along with numerators
    Don't subtract 1/2 - 2/8 = (1-2)/(2-8) = -1/-6! This treats fractions like regular subtraction and gives completely wrong results. Always keep the common denominator and only subtract the numerators.

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 can't I just subtract 1-2 and 2-8 separately?

+

Fractions don't work like regular numbers! The denominator tells you what size pieces you're working with. You can only subtract pieces of the same size, so you need a common denominator first.

How do I know which denominator to use as the common one?

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Look for the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of both denominators. In this case, since 8 is a multiple of 2, we can use 8 as our common denominator!

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes! Always check if your answer can be simplified. 28 \frac{2}{8} simplifies to 14 \frac{1}{4} by dividing both top and bottom by their greatest common factor of 2.

What if the fractions already have the same denominator?

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Lucky you! When denominators are already the same, just subtract the numerators directly and keep the same denominator. Then simplify if needed.

Can the answer to a subtraction problem be zero?

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Absolutely! If you subtract equal fractions like 3838 \frac{3}{8} - \frac{3}{8} , you get zero. This is perfectly normal in fraction subtraction.

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