Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 6/5 - 4/5 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 use fifths, you're just taking away some fifths. Think of it like: 6 apples - 4 apples = 2 apples (still apples!).

Q: What if I get a fraction bigger than 1?

That's called an improper fraction and it's perfectly valid! For example, $ \frac{7}{5} $ means you have more than one whole. You can convert it to mixed numbers if needed.

Q: Do I always need to simplify my answer?

Yes! Always check if your answer can be reduced to lowest terms. In this case, $ \frac{2}{5} $ is already simplified since 2 and 5 share no common factors.

Q: How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the second fraction: $ \frac{2}{5} + \frac{4}{5} $ should equal the first fraction $ \frac{6}{5} $.

Q: What if the fractions had different denominators?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first! But when denominators are already the same (like $ \frac{6}{5} $ and $ \frac{4}{5} $), you can subtract directly.

Fraction Subtraction with Like Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{6}{5}-\frac{4}{5}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 First, let's mark the number of squares we have according to the given data:

00:09 Now subtract (delete) the number of squares according to the corresponding fraction

00:16 The remaining number of squares is the numerator of the answer

00:20 The denominator of the answer equals the number of parts we divided the whole into

00:23 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:

$\frac{6}{5}-\frac{4}{5}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify that both fractions have the same denominator, which they do here — 5.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same.
Step 3: The numerators for each fraction are 6 and 4, so we calculate $6 - 4 = 2$ .
Step 4: Write the result as a fraction, keeping the original denominator: $\frac{2}{5}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{2}{5}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{2}{5}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Subtract numerators when denominators are the same
Technique: Calculate 6 - 4 = 2, keep denominator 5
Check: Verify $\frac{2}{5} + \frac{4}{5} = \frac{6}{5}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting denominators instead of just numerators
Don't subtract 6-4 AND 5-5 = 2/0 which is undefined! When denominators are identical, they stay the same throughout the operation. Always subtract only the numerators and keep the common denominator.

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 use fifths, you're just taking away some fifths. Think of it like: 6 apples - 4 apples = 2 apples (still apples!).

What if I get a fraction bigger than 1?

That's called an improper fraction and it's perfectly valid! For example, $\frac{7}{5}$ means you have more than one whole. You can convert it to mixed numbers if needed.

Do I always need to simplify my answer?

Yes! Always check if your answer can be reduced to lowest terms. In this case, $\frac{2}{5}$ is already simplified since 2 and 5 share no common factors.

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Use addition to check subtraction! Add your answer to the second fraction: $\frac{2}{5} + \frac{4}{5}$ should equal the first fraction $\frac{6}{5}$ .

What if the fractions had different denominators?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first! But when denominators are already the same (like $\frac{6}{5}$ and $\frac{4}{5}$ ), you can subtract directly.

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