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

Fraction Subtraction with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

3513=? \frac{3}{5}-\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Let's solve this problem together.
00:10 First, we need to find the smallest common denominator.
00:14 So, we'll multiply each fraction by the other fraction's denominator.
00:19 Remember to multiply both the top and the bottom numbers.
00:27 Now, let's calculate these multiplications.
00:35 Next, subtract using the common denominator.
00:41 Calculate the new numerator.
00:44 And that's how we find the solution! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

3513=? \frac{3}{5}-\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the subtraction of fractions 3513 \frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{3} , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
    The denominators are 5 and 3. The least common multiple of 5 and 3 is 15. Thus, the common denominator will be 15.
  • Step 2: Convert fractions to have the same denominator
    For 35 \frac{3}{5} , multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 3 to get:
    35=3×35×3=915\frac{3}{5} = \frac{3 \times 3}{5 \times 3} = \frac{9}{15}.
    For 13 \frac{1}{3} , multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 5 to get:
    13=1×53×5=515\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 5}{3 \times 5} = \frac{5}{15}.
  • Step 3: Subtract the numerators
    Now subtract the equivalent fractions:
    915515=9515=415\frac{9}{15} - \frac{5}{15} = \frac{9 - 5}{15} = \frac{4}{15}.
  • Step 4: Simplify the fraction
    The fraction 415\frac{4}{15} is already in its simplest form.

Thus, the solution to the problem is 415\frac{4}{15}.

3

Final Answer

415 \frac{4}{15}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Rule: Find least common denominator before subtracting fractions
  • Technique: Convert 35 \frac{3}{5} to 915 \frac{9}{15} and 13 \frac{1}{3} to 515 \frac{5}{15}
  • Check: Verify 415 \frac{4}{15} cannot be simplified further since 4 and 15 share no common factors ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators along with numerators
    Don't subtract 3-1=2 and 5-3=2 to get 22 \frac{2}{2} ! This completely ignores fraction rules and gives 1 1 instead of 415 \frac{4}{15} . Always find the LCD first, convert both fractions, then subtract only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract straight across like 3153 \frac{3-1}{5-3} ?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 35 \frac{3}{5} means 3 parts out of 5, while 13 \frac{1}{3} means 1 part out of 3. You need the same denominator to compare and subtract them properly.

How do I find the LCD of 5 and 3?

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Since 5 and 3 are both prime numbers, their LCD is simply 5×3=15 5 \times 3 = 15 . For other numbers, list multiples of each until you find the smallest common one!

Do I always multiply to get equivalent fractions?

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Yes! To convert 35 \frac{3}{5} to fifteenths, multiply top and bottom by 3: 3×35×3=915 \frac{3 \times 3}{5 \times 3} = \frac{9}{15} . This keeps the fraction's value the same while changing its form.

Is 415 \frac{4}{15} in simplest form?

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Yes! Since 4 and 15 share no common factors (4 = 2×2, 15 = 3×5), the fraction cannot be reduced further. Always check if your answer can be simplified!

What if I get a negative answer?

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If you're subtracting a larger fraction from a smaller one, you'll get negative results. For example: 1335=415 \frac{1}{3} - \frac{3}{5} = -\frac{4}{15} . The process stays the same!

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