Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 3/4 - 1/6 Step by Step

Fraction Subtraction with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

3416=? \frac{3}{4}-\frac{1}{6}=\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
00:05 Let's solve this problem together.
00:08 First, we need to find the least common denominator.
00:12 We'll multiply by three, and then by two, to find it.
00:17 Remember to multiply both the top and bottom numbers.
00:21 Now, let's do those multiplications. Great job!
00:29 Next, we subtract using the common denominator.
00:35 Let's calculate the top number, or the numerator.
00:40 And there you have it. That's the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

3416=? \frac{3}{4}-\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of subtracting the fractions 34 \frac{3}{4} and 16 \frac{1}{6} , we follow these steps:

  • First, identify the least common denominator (LCD) of the given fractions' denominators. The numbers 4 and 6 have an LCD of 12.
  • Next, convert each fraction to have this common denominator.

The fraction 34 \frac{3}{4} is converted by determining what number we multiply 4 by to get 12 (which is 3). Thus, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 3:
34=3×34×3=912 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{9}{12} .

The fraction 16 \frac{1}{6} is converted by determining what number we multiply 6 by to get 12 (which is 2). Hence, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 2:
16=1×26×2=212 \frac{1}{6} = \frac{1 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{2}{12} .

  • Now that both fractions have the common denominator, subtract the numerators:

912212=9212=712 \frac{9}{12} - \frac{2}{12} = \frac{9 - 2}{12} = \frac{7}{12} .

The solution is the fraction 712 \frac{7}{12} .

In conclusion, the answer to this problem is 712 \frac{7}{12} .

3

Final Answer

712 \frac{7}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before subtracting numerators
  • Technique: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to 912 \frac{9}{12} and 16 \frac{1}{6} to 212 \frac{2}{12}
  • Check: Verify LCD is correct: 4 and 6 both divide evenly into 12 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators along with numerators
    Don't subtract 3/4 - 1/6 = (3-1)/(4-6) = 2/(-2) = -1! This gives a completely wrong negative answer. Always keep the common denominator the same and only subtract the numerators.

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

How do I find the LCD of 4 and 6?

+

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

Why can't I just subtract 3-1=2 and 4-6=-2?

+

You never subtract denominators in fraction subtraction! The denominator tells you the size of each piece. Only subtract the numerators (the number of pieces) once you have the same denominator.

What if my answer comes out as an improper fraction?

+

That's okay! 712 \frac{7}{12} is already a proper fraction, but if you got something like 1512 \frac{15}{12} , you could convert it to 1312 1\frac{3}{12} or simplify to 114 1\frac{1}{4} .

Do I need to simplify my final answer?

+

712 \frac{7}{12} is already in lowest terms because 7 and 12 share no common factors other than 1. Always check if you can simplify, but don't worry if it's already simplified!

What if the LCD seems too big or complicated?

+

Start small! For 4 and 6, try 12 first (4×3 and 6×2). If that works, great! You don't need to use larger numbers like 24 even though they're also common multiples.

🌟 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