Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 4/5 - 3/5 with Like Denominators

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

The denominator tells you the size of each piece. Since both fractions have pieces of the same size (fifths), you only subtract how many pieces you have. Think of it like: 4 slices - 3 slices = 1 slice, all from the same pizza!

Q: What if I get zero as my numerator?

That's perfectly fine! If you subtract $ \frac{3}{5} - \frac{3}{5} $, you get $ \frac{0}{5} = 0 $. Zero divided by any number equals zero.

Q: Do I need to simplify my answer?

Always check if you can simplify! In this problem, $ \frac{1}{5} $ is already in lowest terms since 1 and 5 share no common factors besides 1.

Q: How can I visualize this problem?

Imagine a pizza cut into 5 equal slices. You start with 4 slices, eat 3 slices, and have 1 slice left. That remaining slice is still $ \frac{1}{5} $ of the whole pizza!

Q: What's the difference between adding and subtracting fractions with same denominators?

The process is exactly the same! Keep the denominator, and either add or subtract the numerators. $ \frac{4}{5} + \frac{3}{5} = \frac{7}{5} $ vs. $ \frac{4}{5} - \frac{3}{5} = \frac{1}{5} $

Fraction Subtraction with Same Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{4}{5}-\frac{3}{5}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Subtract in the common denominator

00:08 Calculate the numerator

00:11 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:

$\frac{4}{5}-\frac{3}{5}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the subtraction of fractions problem $\frac{4}{5} - \frac{3}{5}$ , we will follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify that both fractions share the same denominator, 5.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators: $4 - 3 = 1$ .
Step 3: Place the result from Step 2 over the common denominator: $\frac{1}{5}$ .

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: We observe that $\frac{4}{5}$ and $\frac{3}{5}$ have the same denominator of 5.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators: $4 - 3 = 1$ .
Step 3: Write the result from Step 2 over the common denominator: $\frac{1}{5}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem $\frac{4}{5} - \frac{3}{5}$ is $\frac{1}{5}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{5}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When denominators are equal, subtract only the numerators
Technique: Keep denominator 5, calculate 4 - 3 = 1
Check: Verify $\frac{1}{5} + \frac{3}{5} = \frac{4}{5}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting denominators along with numerators
Don't calculate $\frac{4}{5} - \frac{3}{5} = \frac{1}{0}$ ! This creates undefined results because you're changing the size of each piece. Always keep the same denominator and only subtract 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 don't I subtract the denominators too?

The denominator tells you the size of each piece. Since both fractions have pieces of the same size (fifths), you only subtract how many pieces you have. Think of it like: 4 slices - 3 slices = 1 slice, all from the same pizza!

What if I get zero as my numerator?

That's perfectly fine! If you subtract $\frac{3}{5} - \frac{3}{5}$ , you get $\frac{0}{5} = 0$ . Zero divided by any number equals zero.

Do I need to simplify my answer?

Always check if you can simplify! In this problem, $\frac{1}{5}$ is already in lowest terms since 1 and 5 share no common factors besides 1.

How can I visualize this problem?

Imagine a pizza cut into 5 equal slices. You start with 4 slices, eat 3 slices, and have 1 slice left. That remaining slice is still $\frac{1}{5}$ of the whole pizza!

What's the difference between adding and subtracting fractions with same denominators?

The process is exactly the same! Keep the denominator, and either add or subtract the numerators. $\frac{4}{5} + \frac{3}{5} = \frac{7}{5}$ vs. $\frac{4}{5} - \frac{3}{5} = \frac{1}{5}$

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