Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 3/4 minus 3/8 Step-by-Step

Fraction Subtraction with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

3438=? \frac{3}{4}-\frac{3}{8}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's solve this problem together.
00:09 First, we'll multiply the fraction by 2 to find a common denominator.
00:15 Be sure to multiply both the numerator and the denominator.
00:20 Now, let's do the multiplications carefully.
00:23 Great! Next, subtract using the common denominator.
00:29 Calculate the new numerator. Almost there!
00:33 And that's how we find the solution to this question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

3438=? \frac{3}{4}-\frac{3}{8}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} into an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 8.
  • Step 2: Subtract the numerators of the equivalent fractions.
  • Step 3: Simplify if necessary.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Find a common denominator for the fractions 34 \frac{3}{4} and 38 \frac{3}{8} . The least common denominator is 8.

Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 8:

34=3×24×2=68 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{6}{8}

Step 2: Subtract 38 \frac{3}{8} from 68 \frac{6}{8} :

6838=638=38 \frac{6}{8} - \frac{3}{8} = \frac{6 - 3}{8} = \frac{3}{8}

Step 3: There is no need to simplify further as the fraction 38 \frac{3}{8} is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 38\frac{3}{8}.

3

Final Answer

38 \frac{3}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before subtracting fraction numerators
  • Technique: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to 68 \frac{6}{8} by multiplying by 2
  • Check: Verify 6838=38 \frac{6}{8} - \frac{3}{8} = \frac{3}{8} is in simplest form ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting both numerators and denominators
    Don't subtract 3438 \frac{3}{4} - \frac{3}{8} as 04 \frac{0}{-4} = wrong answer! This breaks fraction subtraction rules completely. 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 3-3 and 4-8?

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You can only subtract numerators when fractions have the same denominator. Think of it like subtracting different sized pieces - you need equal pieces first!

How do I find the common denominator?

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Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For 4 and 8, since 8 is already a multiple of 4, the LCM is 8.

Do I always need to simplify my answer?

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Yes! Always check if your answer can be simplified. In this case, 38 \frac{3}{8} cannot be simplified further since 3 and 8 share no common factors.

What if the denominators are both big numbers?

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The process is the same! Find the LCM of the denominators, convert both fractions, then subtract. Sometimes you might need to factor the numbers to find the LCM more easily.

Can the answer ever be a whole number?

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Absolutely! If the numerator equals the denominator after subtraction, you get 1. If it's a multiple of the denominator, you get a whole number greater than 1.

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