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

Question

Solve the following exercise:

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

Video Solution

Solution Steps

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 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}.

Answer

38 \frac{3}{8}