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

Fraction Subtraction with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

3436=? \frac{3}{4}-\frac{3}{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 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:26 Subtract by the common denominator
00:32 Let's calculate the numerator
00:35 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:40 Make sure to divide both numerator and denominator
00:43 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

3436=? \frac{3}{4}-\frac{3}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem 3436 \frac{3}{4} - \frac{3}{6} , follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the denominators: 4 and 6.

Step 2: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6. The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12, as 12 is the smallest number that both 4 and 6 divide into evenly.

Step 3: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12:
34 \frac{3}{4} needs to be converted. Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3 to obtain 912 \frac{9}{12} .
36 \frac{3}{6} also needs conversion. Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2 to obtain 612 \frac{6}{12} .

Step 4: Subtract the fractions:
912612=312 \frac{9}{12} - \frac{6}{12} = \frac{3}{12} .

Step 5: Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.
The fraction 312 \frac{3}{12} can be simplified to 14 \frac{1}{4} by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, 3.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 14 \frac{1}{4} .

3

Final Answer

14 \frac{1}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before subtracting unlike fractions
  • Technique: LCM of 4 and 6 is 12: 34=912 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{9}{12}
  • Check: Simplify final answer: 312=14 \frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4} by dividing by GCD ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting numerators and denominators separately
    Don't subtract 3436 \frac{3}{4} - \frac{3}{6} as 3346=02 \frac{3-3}{4-6} = \frac{0}{-2} ! This completely ignores fraction rules and gives nonsensical results. Always find a common denominator first, then subtract only 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

Why can't I just subtract the numerators and denominators?

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Fractions represent parts of wholes. You can't subtract different-sized parts directly! Think of it like subtracting 3 quarters from 3 sixths - you need equal-sized pieces first.

How do I find the LCM 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!

Do I always need to simplify my answer?

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Yes! Always check if your answer can be simplified. Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor to get the simplest form.

What if the denominators are the same?

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Lucky you! When denominators match, just subtract the numerators and keep the same denominator. For example: 5727=37 \frac{5}{7} - \frac{2}{7} = \frac{3}{7}

Can the answer be zero or negative?

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Absolutely! If you subtract a larger fraction from a smaller one, you'll get a negative result. That's perfectly normal in math.

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