Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 3/4 minus 1/4

Q: Why don't I subtract the denominators too?

The denominator tells us what size pieces we're working with. Since both fractions have fourths, we're working with the same size pieces. We only subtract how many pieces (numerators), not the size!

Q: Do I always need to simplify my answer?

Yes, always simplify! $ \frac{2}{4} $ and $ \frac{1}{2} $ are equal, but $ \frac{1}{2} $ is the simplest form. Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.

Q: What if the first fraction is smaller than the second?

You'll get a negative answer, which is perfectly fine! For example: $ \frac{1}{4} - \frac{3}{4} = -\frac{2}{4} = -\frac{1}{2} $. Just follow the same steps.

Q: How do I find the greatest common factor to simplify?

Look for the largest number that divides both the numerator and denominator evenly. For $ \frac{2}{4} $: both 2 and 4 divide by 2, so $ \frac{2÷2}{4÷2} = \frac{1}{2} $.

Q: Can I check my answer somehow?

Yes! Convert your answer back to the original denominator: $ \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4} $. Then verify: $ \frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2}{4} $ ✓

Fraction Subtraction with Same Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{3}{4}-\frac{1}{4}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Subtract with common denominator

00:07 Calculate the numerator

00:11 Reduce the fraction as much as possible

00:15 Make sure to divide both numerator and denominator

00:20 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{3}{4}-\frac{1}{4}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will use the following steps:

Step 1: Since both fractions, $\frac{3}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$ , have the common denominator of 4, we can subtract them directly by subtracting their numerators.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators: $3 - 1 = 2$ .
Step 3: Place the result over the common denominator: $\frac{2}{4}$ .
Step 4: Simplify the fraction if possible. In this case, we can simplify $\frac{2}{4}$ by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.
Step 5: Performing the simplification results in $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{2}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Same denominators mean subtract numerators, keep denominator unchanged
Technique: Calculate 3 - 1 = 2, place over 4 to get $\frac{2}{4}$
Check: Simplify final answer by dividing by GCD: $\frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting denominators along with numerators
Don't subtract both parts: $\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4} \neq \frac{2}{3}$ ! When denominators are the same, they stay unchanged - only numerators get subtracted. Always keep the common denominator and subtract only the top numbers.

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 don't I subtract the denominators too?

The denominator tells us what size pieces we're working with. Since both fractions have fourths, we're working with the same size pieces. We only subtract how many pieces (numerators), not the size!

Do I always need to simplify my answer?

Yes, always simplify! $\frac{2}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$ are equal, but $\frac{1}{2}$ is the simplest form. Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.

What if the first fraction is smaller than the second?

You'll get a negative answer, which is perfectly fine! For example: $\frac{1}{4} - \frac{3}{4} = -\frac{2}{4} = -\frac{1}{2}$ . Just follow the same steps.

How do I find the greatest common factor to simplify?

Look for the largest number that divides both the numerator and denominator evenly. For $\frac{2}{4}$ : both 2 and 4 divide by 2, so $\frac{2÷2}{4÷2} = \frac{1}{2}$ .

Can I check my answer somehow?

Yes! Convert your answer back to the original denominator: $\frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4}$ . Then verify: $\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2}{4}$ ✓

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