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

Fraction Subtraction with Different 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
00:06 Let's start solving the problem.
00:09 First, we need to find the smallest common denominator.
00:13 Multiply one fraction by three and the other by two to match denominators.
00:18 Remember to multiply both the top and bottom numbers of the fractions.
00:26 Now, let's do the multiplications.
00:32 Subtract the numerators using the common denominator.
00:36 Calculate the result for the new numerator.
00:40 Simplify the fraction as much as possible.
00:44 Divide both the numerator and the denominator to reduce.
00:48 And this is how we solve the problem.

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 the problem 2426\frac{2}{4} - \frac{2}{6}, let's follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find the least common denominator (LCD) for the fractions. The denominators are 4 and 6, and the LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12.

First, convert 24\frac{2}{4}:

24=2×34×3=612\frac{2}{4} = \frac{2 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{6}{12}

Next, convert 26\frac{2}{6}:

26=2×26×2=412\frac{2}{6} = \frac{2 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{4}{12}

  • Step 3: Subtract the fractions with the common denominator.

612412=6412=212\frac{6}{12} - \frac{4}{12} = \frac{6 - 4}{12} = \frac{2}{12}

  • Step 4: Simplify the result, if possible.

212\frac{2}{12} simplifies to 16\frac{1}{6} by dividing both the numerator and the 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
  • Technique: Convert 24 \frac{2}{4} to 612 \frac{6}{12} and 26 \frac{2}{6} to 412 \frac{4}{12}
  • Check: Simplify 212 \frac{2}{12} to 16 \frac{1}{6} by dividing by GCD ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators along with numerators
    Don't subtract 2/4 - 2/6 = 0/(-2) = 0! This ignores fraction rules completely. Always find the LCD first, convert both fractions, then subtract only the numerators while keeping the common denominator.

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 can't I just subtract the numerators and denominators 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 - like subtracting 6 apples from 4 apples, not 6 apples from 4 oranges.

How do I find the LCD of 4 and 6?

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List multiples: 4, 8, 12, 16... and 6, 12, 18... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 12. That's your LCD!

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes, always simplify! 212 \frac{2}{12} and 16 \frac{1}{6} are equal, but 16 \frac{1}{6} is the simplest form. Divide both numerator and denominator by their GCD.

What if the fractions already have the same denominator?

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Lucky you! When denominators match, just subtract the numerators directly and keep the same denominator. For example: 5838=28=14 \frac{5}{8} - \frac{3}{8} = \frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{4}

Can the answer ever be negative?

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Absolutely! If you subtract a larger fraction from a smaller one, you'll get a negative result. For example: 1412=1424=14 \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{4} - \frac{2}{4} = -\frac{1}{4}

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