Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 5/8 minus 1/4

Q: Why can't I just subtract 5-1 and 8-4?

Because $ \frac{5}{8} $ and $ \frac{1}{4} $ represent different-sized pieces! You can't subtract eighths and fourths directly - it's like trying to subtract apples and oranges.

Q: How do I know 8 is the common denominator?

Since 8 is a multiple of 4 (8 = 4 × 2), we can use 8 as the LCD. The smaller denominator 4 divides evenly into the larger denominator 8.

Q: What if both fractions need to be converted?

Find the least common multiple of both denominators, then convert both fractions to have that denominator before subtracting.

Q: How can I check if my answer is right?

Add your answer back to the second fraction: $ \frac{3}{8} + \frac{1}{4} $ should equal the first fraction $ \frac{5}{8} $ ✓

Fraction Subtraction with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{5}{8}-\frac{1}{4}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Multiply by 2 to find the common denominator

00:08 Make sure to multiply both numerator and denominator

00:16 Calculate the products

00:19 Subtract with the common denominator

00:25 Calculate the numerator

00:28 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:

$\frac{5}{8}-\frac{1}{4}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem $\frac{5}{8} - \frac{1}{4}$ , we need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify a common denominator. Here, since $\frac{1}{4}$ shares the denominator 4 with 8, the least common denominator (LCD) is 8.
Step 2: Convert $\frac{1}{4}$ to have the denominator of 8 by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 2. Thus, $\frac{1}{4} = \frac{2}{8}$ .
Step 3: Perform the subtraction: $\frac{5}{8} - \frac{2}{8} = \frac{3}{8}$ .

Thus, the result of the subtraction $\frac{5}{8} - \frac{1}{4}$ is $\frac{3}{8}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{3}{8}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{3}{8}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Common Denominator: Find LCD before subtracting fractions with different denominators
Technique: Convert $\frac{1}{4}$ to $\frac{2}{8}$ by multiplying by 2
Check: Verify $\frac{3}{8} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{5}{8}$ equals original first term ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting numerators and denominators separately
Don't subtract 5-1=4 and 8-4=4 to get $\frac{4}{4}$ = wrong answer! This ignores that fractions represent parts of different wholes. Always find a common denominator first, then subtract only 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 can't I just subtract 5-1 and 8-4?

Because $\frac{5}{8}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$ represent different-sized pieces! You can't subtract eighths and fourths directly - it's like trying to subtract apples and oranges.

How do I know 8 is the common denominator?

Since 8 is a multiple of 4 (8 = 4 × 2), we can use 8 as the LCD. The smaller denominator 4 divides evenly into the larger denominator 8.

What if both fractions need to be converted?

Find the least common multiple of both denominators, then convert both fractions to have that denominator before subtracting.

Do I need to simplify my answer?

Always check if your answer can be simplified! In this case, $\frac{3}{8}$ is already in lowest terms since 3 and 8 share no common factors.

How can I check if my answer is right?

Add your answer back to the second fraction: $\frac{3}{8} + \frac{1}{4}$ should equal the first fraction $\frac{5}{8}$ ✓

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