Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 3/5 minus 1/2

To solve the subtraction of fractions $\frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{2}$, we will follow these steps:

• Step 1: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 5 and 2. The LCM of 5 and 2 is 10.
• Step 2: Convert each fraction to have a denominator of 10.
• Step 3: Subtract the converted fractions.
• Step 4: Simplify the result if necessary.

Now, let's work through each step in detail:

Step 1: The LCM of 5 and 2 is 10, since 10 is the smallest number that both 5 and 2 divide into evenly.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to have a denominator of 10.

For $\frac{3}{5}$:
Multiply numerator and denominator by 2 to get $\frac{3 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{6}{10}$.

For $\frac{1}{2}$:
Multiply numerator and denominator by 5 to get $\frac{1 \times 5}{2 \times 5} = \frac{5}{10}$.

Step 3: Subtract the fractions:

$\frac{6}{10} - \frac{5}{10} = \frac{6 - 5}{10} = \frac{1}{10}$.

Step 4: There is no further simplification needed for $\frac{1}{10}$ as it is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{1}{10}$.

The correct answer, choice (4), is $\frac{1}{10}$.