Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 4/6 - 3/6 Step-by-Step

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

The denominator tells you what size pieces you're working with. Since both fractions have sixths, you're always working with the same size pieces. Only the number of pieces (numerators) changes when you subtract!

Q: Do I need to find a common denominator first?

No! The denominators are already the same (both are 6). You only need to find common denominators when the bottom numbers are different.

Q: How do I know if my answer needs to be simplified?

Check if the numerator and denominator share any common factors. Since 1 and 6 only share the factor 1, $ \frac{1}{6} $ is already in simplest form!

Q: Can I convert to mixed numbers?

Only if your answer is an improper fraction (numerator larger than denominator). Since $ \frac{1}{6} $ has numerator smaller than denominator, it stays as a proper fraction.

Fraction Subtraction with Like Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{4}{6}-\frac{3}{6}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:06 Let's solve this problem together!

00:09 First, count and note the number of squares given in the data.

00:13 Next, subtract the number of squares as directed by the fraction.

00:18 The squares left are the top part, or numerator, of your answer.

00:22 The bottom part, or denominator, shows how many parts the whole was divided into.

00:27 And that's how we find the solution! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{4}{6}-\frac{3}{6}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

The task is to perform a simple subtraction of fractions with like denominators. Here's how we solve it:

Initially, we have the fractions $\frac{4}{6}$ and $\frac{3}{6}$ . Both fractions have the same denominator, which is 6.

Step 1: Since the denominators are the same, we subtract only the numerators. This means we subtract 3 from 4, as follows:

$\frac{4}{6} - \frac{3}{6} = \frac{4 - 3}{6} = \frac{1}{6}$

The fraction $\frac{1}{6}$ is already in its simplest form. Therefore, the result of subtracting $\frac{3}{6}$ from $\frac{4}{6}$ is $\frac{1}{6}$ .

The correct answer among the given choices is $\frac{1}{6}$ . This corresponds to choice number 2 in the list of options provided.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{1}{6}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{6}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When denominators are equal, subtract only the numerators
Technique: Keep denominator 6, subtract numerators: 4 - 3 = 1
Check: Verify $\frac{1}{6}$ is simplest form: GCD(1,6) = 1 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting both numerators and denominators
Don't subtract 4-3 in numerator AND 6-6 in denominator = $\frac{1}{0}$ which is undefined! This creates impossible answers. Always keep the denominator unchanged when denominators are the same.

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 what size pieces you're working with. Since both fractions have sixths, you're always working with the same size pieces. Only the number of pieces (numerators) changes when you subtract!

Do I need to find a common denominator first?

No! The denominators are already the same (both are 6). You only need to find common denominators when the bottom numbers are different.

How do I know if my answer needs to be simplified?

Check if the numerator and denominator share any common factors. Since 1 and 6 only share the factor 1, $\frac{1}{6}$ is already in simplest form!

What if I get a negative answer?

That's possible! If you subtract a larger numerator from a smaller one, you'll get a negative fraction. For example: $\frac{2}{6} - \frac{5}{6} = \frac{-3}{6}$ .

Can I convert to mixed numbers?

Only if your answer is an improper fraction (numerator larger than denominator). Since $\frac{1}{6}$ has numerator smaller than denominator, it stays as a proper fraction.

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