Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 4/5 minus 3/10

Fraction Subtraction with Different Denominators

Solve the following equation:

45310= \frac{4}{5}-\frac{3}{10}=

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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.
00:10 We need to find the least common denominator.
00:13 Multiply by two to get the common denominator of ten.
00:17 Don't forget to multiply both the numerator and the denominator.
00:23 Now, let's calculate the multiplications.
00:32 Subtract using the common denominator.
00:35 And that's how we solve this problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

45310= \frac{4}{5}-\frac{3}{10}=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's begin by identifying the lowest common denominator between 5 and 10.

In order to determine the lowest common denominator, we must find a number that is divisible by both 5 and 10.

In this case, the common denominator is 10.

Now let's proceed to multiply each fraction by the appropriate number to reach the denominator 10.

We'll multiply the first fraction by 2

We'll multiply the second fraction by 1

4×25×23×110×1=810310 \frac{4\times2}{5\times2}-\frac{3\times1}{10\times1}=\frac{8}{10}-\frac{3}{10}

Finally let's subtract as follows:

8310=510 \frac{8-3}{10}=\frac{5}{10}

3

Final Answer

510 \frac{5}{10}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCD of 5 and 10, which is 10
  • Technique: Convert 45 \frac{4}{5} to 810 \frac{8}{10} by multiplying by 2
  • Check: Verify 810310=510 \frac{8}{10} - \frac{3}{10} = \frac{5}{10}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators and numerators separately
    Don't subtract 4-3=1 and 5-10=-5 to get 15 \frac{1}{-5} ! This treats fractions like separate numbers instead of parts of a whole. Always find a common denominator first, then subtract only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Without calculating, determine whether the quotient in the division exercise is less than 1 or not:

\( 5:6= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 4-3 and 5-10 separately?

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Fractions represent parts of a whole, not separate numbers! You can only subtract fractions when they have the same denominator (same-sized pieces). Think of it like subtracting 8 slices from 10 slices of the same pizza.

How do I find the LCD of 5 and 10?

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List multiples of each number: 5 = 5, 10, 15... and 10 = 10, 20, 30... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 10, so that's your LCD!

Do I need to reduce 5/10 to lowest terms?

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Yes! 510 \frac{5}{10} can be simplified by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor of 5, giving you 12 \frac{1}{2} .

What if the denominators are both different from the LCD?

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Convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with the LCD as the denominator. For example, if subtracting 2314 \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{4} , convert both to twelfths: 812312 \frac{8}{12} - \frac{3}{12} .

How can I check if my answer is correct?

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Add your answer to the second fraction: 510+310=810=45 \frac{5}{10} + \frac{3}{10} = \frac{8}{10} = \frac{4}{5} . If you get the first fraction back, your subtraction is correct!

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