Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 2/4 - 1/3 Step by Step

Fraction Subtraction with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

2413=? \frac{2}{4}-\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Let's solve this problem step by step.
00:11 First, multiply by the second denominator to find a common one.
00:17 Remember to multiply both the top and bottom numbers.
00:28 Now, let's do the multiplications together.
00:35 Next step is to subtract with the common denominator.
00:40 Let's calculate the numerator.
00:44 Try to reduce the fraction as much as possible.
00:48 Divide both the top and bottom numbers here.
00:52 And there we have the solution to our problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

2413=? \frac{2}{4}-\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Find the common denominator for the fractions 24\frac{2}{4} and 13\frac{1}{3}.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator.
  • Step 3: Perform the subtraction and simplify if necessary.

Now, let's work through these steps:

Step 1: The denominators are 44 and 33. The common denominator is the product 4×3=124 \times 3 = 12.

Step 2: Convert each fraction:
24=2×34×3=612\frac{2}{4} = \frac{2 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{6}{12}
13=1×43×4=412\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{4}{12}

Step 3: Subtract the fractions with a common denominator:
612412=6412=212\frac{6}{12} - \frac{4}{12} = \frac{6 - 4}{12} = \frac{2}{12}

Finally, simplify 212\frac{2}{12}. The greatest common divisor of 2 and 12 is 2, so:
212=2÷212÷2=16\frac{2}{12} = \frac{2 \div 2}{12 \div 2} = \frac{1}{6}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 16\frac{1}{6}.

3

Final Answer

16 \frac{1}{6}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCD of denominators before subtracting fractions
  • Convert Method: 24=612 \frac{2}{4} = \frac{6}{12} by multiplying both parts by 3
  • Simplify Check: Reduce 212=16 \frac{2}{12} = \frac{1}{6} using GCD of 2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators and numerators separately
    Don't subtract 2413 \frac{2}{4} - \frac{1}{3} as 2143=11 \frac{2-1}{4-3} = \frac{1}{1} ! This breaks fraction rules and gives completely wrong answers. Always find the common denominator first, then subtract only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following:

\( \frac{5}{9}:\frac{7}{18}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract the top and bottom numbers separately?

+

Fractions represent parts of a whole, not separate numbers! You can only subtract fractions when they have the same denominator (same-sized pieces). Think of it like subtracting 12 \frac{1}{2} pizza slice from 14 \frac{1}{4} pizza slice - you need same-sized slices first!

How do I find the common denominator quickly?

+

For small numbers like 4 and 3, multiply them together: 4 × 3 = 12. For larger numbers, find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) to avoid extra simplification work later.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

+

Yes! Always check if your answer can be reduced. Divide both numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). For 212 \frac{2}{12} , both divide by 2 to get 16 \frac{1}{6} .

What if one fraction is already simplified like 1/3?

+

That's fine! You still need to convert both fractions to have the common denominator. Even though 13 \frac{1}{3} looks simple, it becomes 412 \frac{4}{12} when converted.

Can I convert 2/4 to 1/2 first before subtracting?

+

You could simplify 24=12 \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2} first, but then you'd need LCD of 2 and 3, which is 6. Either way works - choose whichever feels easier to you!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Operations with Fractions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations