Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 5/7 minus 3/7

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

The denominator tells us what size pieces we're working with. Since both fractions have sevenths, we're working with the same size pieces. We only subtract how many pieces: 5 pieces minus 3 pieces = 2 pieces, all sevenths!

Q: What if I accidentally get a negative answer?

Check your subtraction! In $ \frac{5}{7} - \frac{3}{7} $, we subtract 5 - 3 = 2 (positive). If the first numerator is smaller, like $ \frac{3}{7} - \frac{5}{7} $, then 3 - 5 = -2, giving $ -\frac{2}{7} $.

Q: Do I need to simplify my answer?

$ \frac{2}{7} $ is already in simplest form because 2 and 7 share no common factors besides 1. Always check if you can divide both numerator and denominator by the same number!

Q: How can I visualize this problem?

Imagine a pizza cut into 7 equal slices. You start with 5 slices and give away 3 slices. How many slices do you have left? 5 - 3 = 2 slices, so $ \frac{2}{7} $ of the pizza!

Q: What if the denominators were different?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first! But in this problem, both fractions already have the same denominator (7), making it much easier - just subtract the tops!

Fraction Subtraction with Like Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{5}{7}-\frac{3}{7}=\text{?}$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

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, mark the number of squares you have based on the data.

00:15 Next, subtract the squares as per the given fraction.

00:20 The squares left are the numerator of your answer.

00:24 The denominator is the number of parts we split the whole into.

00:29 And that's how we find the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{5}{7}-\frac{3}{7}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of subtracting $\frac{5}{7}$ and $\frac{3}{7}$ , follow these steps:

Step 1: Subtract the numerators: $5 - 3 = 2$ .
Step 2: Keep the denominator the same: 7.
Step 3: Construct the resulting fraction: $\frac{2}{7}$ .

Thus, the subtraction of these fractions results in the fraction $\frac{2}{7}$ .

Therefore, the correct answer is $\frac{2}{7}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{2}{7}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When denominators are same, subtract only the numerators
Technique: Keep denominator 7, subtract numerators: 5 - 3 = 2
Check: Verify $\frac{2}{7}$ plus $\frac{3}{7}$ equals $\frac{5}{7}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting both numerators and denominators
Don't subtract denominators like 5/7 - 3/7 = 2/0 = meaningless result! This destroys the fraction structure completely. Always keep the same denominator and subtract only the numerators when denominators are identical.

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 us what size pieces we're working with. Since both fractions have sevenths, we're working with the same size pieces. We only subtract how many pieces: 5 pieces minus 3 pieces = 2 pieces, all sevenths!

What if I accidentally get a negative answer?

Check your subtraction! In $\frac{5}{7} - \frac{3}{7}$ , we subtract 5 - 3 = 2 (positive). If the first numerator is smaller, like $\frac{3}{7} - \frac{5}{7}$ , then 3 - 5 = -2, giving $-\frac{2}{7}$ .

Do I need to simplify my answer?

$\frac{2}{7}$ is already in simplest form because 2 and 7 share no common factors besides 1. Always check if you can divide both numerator and denominator by the same number!

How can I visualize this problem?

Imagine a pizza cut into 7 equal slices. You start with 5 slices and give away 3 slices. How many slices do you have left? 5 - 3 = 2 slices, so $\frac{2}{7}$ of the pizza!

What if the denominators were different?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first! But in this problem, both fractions already have the same denominator (7), making it much easier - just subtract the tops!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Operations with Fractions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime