Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 2/4 - 2/6 Step-by-Step

Fraction Subtraction with Common Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

2426=? \frac{2}{4}-\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to find the least common denominator
00:06 Multiply by 3 and 2 respectively to find the common denominator
00:09 Make sure to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:20 Calculate the products
00:27 Subtract with the common denominator
00:34 Calculate the numerator
00:39 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:42 Make sure to divide both numerator and denominator
00:45 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:

2426=? \frac{2}{4}-\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this subtraction problem, let's follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify and find the least common denominator (LCD) of the denominators 4 and 6.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator.
  • Step 3: Subtract the numerators of the converted fractions.
  • Step 4: Simplify the result, if possible.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The denominators are 4 and 6. The LCD of 4 and 6 is 12, since 12 is the smallest number divisible by both 4 and 6.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to this common denominator.
- Convert 24 \frac{2}{4} to have a denominator of 12. We multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3:
24=2×34×3=612 \frac{2}{4} = \frac{2 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{6}{12} .
- Convert 26 \frac{2}{6} to have a denominator of 12. We multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2:
26=2×26×2=412 \frac{2}{6} = \frac{2 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{4}{12} .

Step 3: Subtract the fractions:
612412=6412=212 \frac{6}{12} - \frac{4}{12} = \frac{6 - 4}{12} = \frac{2}{12} .

Step 4: Simplify the result:
The fraction 212 \frac{2}{12} simplifies to 16 \frac{1}{6} by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.

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
  • LCD Rule: Find least common denominator before subtracting fractions
  • Convert Method: 24=612 \frac{2}{4} = \frac{6}{12} and 26=412 \frac{2}{6} = \frac{4}{12}
  • Verify: Check 16 \frac{1}{6} by converting back to original denominators ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators along with numerators
    Don't subtract 2426=02 \frac{2}{4} - \frac{2}{6} = \frac{0}{-2} ! This completely ignores how fractions work and gives meaningless results. Always find the LCD first, convert both fractions, then subtract only 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 2-2 and 4-6 separately?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 24 \frac{2}{4} means 2 parts out of 4, while 26 \frac{2}{6} means 2 parts out of 6. You need a common denominator to compare them fairly.

How do I find the LCD of 4 and 6?

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List the multiples of each number: 4, 8, 12, 16... and 6, 12, 18, 24... The smallest number that appears in both lists is your LCD!

What if I can't simplify my final answer?

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That's okay! Not all fraction answers can be simplified. Just make sure your numerator and denominator don't share any common factors greater than 1.

Can I convert to decimals instead?

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You could, but fractions are often more exact. For example, 16 \frac{1}{6} is exact, but 0.1666... as a decimal goes on forever!

Why do I multiply both parts of the fraction when converting?

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To keep the fraction's value the same! Multiplying top and bottom by the same number is like multiplying by 1, so 24=2×34×3=612 \frac{2}{4} = \frac{2 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{6}{12} .

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