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{?}

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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

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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!

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