Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 4/5 minus 6/10

Fraction Subtraction with Common Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

45610=? \frac{4}{5}-\frac{6}{10}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's solve this problem together.
00:09 First, multiply by two to find the common denominator.
00:13 Remember, multiply both the numerator and the denominator.
00:20 Now, calculate the products carefully.
00:27 Subtract using the common denominator you found.
00:31 Then, calculate what the new numerator is.
00:36 Let's reduce the fraction as much as possible.
00:40 Don't forget to divide both the numerator and the denominator.
00:44 And now, this is how we arrive at the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

45610=? \frac{4}{5}-\frac{6}{10}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of subtracting the fraction 610 \frac{6}{10} from 45 \frac{4}{5} , follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 5 and 10.
The LCM of 5 and 10 is 10.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator of 10.
- The fraction 45 \frac{4}{5} can be converted to have a denominator of 10 by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by 2. Thus, 45=4×25×2=810 \frac{4}{5} = \frac{4 \times 2}{5 \times 2} = \frac{8}{10} .
- The fraction 610 \frac{6}{10} already has the denominator of 10, so it remains 610 \frac{6}{10} .

Step 3: Subtract the second fraction from the first.
Subtract the numerators while keeping the common denominator: 810610=8610=210 \frac{8}{10} - \frac{6}{10} = \frac{8 - 6}{10} = \frac{2}{10} .

Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction.
The fraction 210 \frac{2}{10} can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2: 210=2÷210÷2=15 \frac{2}{10} = \frac{2 \div 2}{10 \div 2} = \frac{1}{5} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 15 \frac{1}{5} , which corresponds to choice number 2.

3

Final Answer

15 \frac{1}{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before subtracting fractions
  • Technique: Convert 45 \frac{4}{5} to 810 \frac{8}{10} by multiplying by 2
  • Check: Simplify final answer by dividing by GCD: 210=15 \frac{2}{10} = \frac{1}{5}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting numerators and denominators separately
    Don't subtract 4-6 and 5-10 separately = 25 \frac{-2}{-5} ! This completely ignores fraction rules and gives wrong results. Always find a common denominator first, then subtract only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

\( \frac{8}{5}-\frac{4}{5}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 4-6 and 5-10?

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Because fractions represent parts of a whole! You can only subtract fractions when they have the same denominator - like subtracting 8 tenths minus 6 tenths.

How do I find the least common multiple of 5 and 10?

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List the multiples: 5 = 5, 10, 15... and 10 = 10, 20, 30... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 10, so LCM = 10.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes! Always check if you can reduce your fraction to lowest terms. Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

What if the denominators don't divide evenly?

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That's okay! For example, with denominators 3 and 7, the LCM would be 21. You'd convert both fractions to have denominator 21 before subtracting.

How do I know if 15 \frac{1}{5} is fully simplified?

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Check if 1 and 5 share any common factors besides 1. Since 1 only has itself as a factor, and 5 is prime, 15 \frac{1}{5} is already in simplest form!

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