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

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

The denominator tells us what type of pieces we're working with (fifths). When subtracting $ \frac{6}{5} - \frac{4}{5} $, you're taking away 4 fifths from 6 fifths, leaving 2 fifths. The pieces stay the same size!

Q: What if the denominators were different?

If denominators are different, you'd need to find a common denominator first. But in this problem, both fractions already have denominator 5, so you can subtract directly!

Q: How do I check if my answer is correct?

Add your answer back to the second fraction: $ \frac{2}{5} + \frac{4}{5} = \frac{6}{5} $. If you get the first fraction, you're right!

Q: Can I convert to decimals instead?

Yes! $ \frac{6}{5} = 1.2 $ and $ \frac{4}{5} = 0.8 $, so 1.2 - 0.8 = 0.4 = $ \frac{2}{5} $. Both methods work!

Q: What does the answer 2/5 mean in real life?

If you had 6 pieces of a pizza cut into 5ths and ate 4 pieces, you'd have 2 pieces left - that's $ \frac{2}{5} $ of the whole pizza!

Fraction Subtraction with Common 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

00:07 Let's solve this problem together.

00:10 First, subtract the fractions with the same denominator. Take your time.

00:16 Now, calculate the numerator by performing the subtraction.

00:20 Great job! 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, we'll proceed as follows:

Step 1: Identify the common denominator, which is already present as 5.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators: $6 - 4$ .
Step 3: Write the result over the common denominator.

Now, let's work through these steps:
Step 1: The denominators are the same, so we maintain the denominator of 5.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators: $6 - 4 = 2$ .
Step 3: Place the result above the common 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

Same Denominator Rule: Keep the denominator, subtract only the numerators
Technique: Subtract numerators: 6 - 4 = 2, keep denominator 5
Check: Verify $\frac{2}{5} + \frac{4}{5} = \frac{6}{5}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting both numerators and denominators
Don't subtract denominators like 6/5 - 4/5 = 2/0! This creates division by zero and is mathematically impossible. The denominators stay the same because the fractions already have a common denominator. Always keep the denominator unchanged when subtracting fractions with the same bottom number.

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 type of pieces we're working with (fifths). When subtracting $\frac{6}{5} - \frac{4}{5}$ , you're taking away 4 fifths from 6 fifths, leaving 2 fifths. The pieces stay the same size!

What if the denominators were different?

If denominators are different, you'd need to find a common denominator first. But in this problem, both fractions already have denominator 5, so you can subtract directly!

How do I check if my answer is correct?

Add your answer back to the second fraction: $\frac{2}{5} + \frac{4}{5} = \frac{6}{5}$ . If you get the first fraction, you're right!

Can I convert to decimals instead?

Yes! $\frac{6}{5} = 1.2$ and $\frac{4}{5} = 0.8$ , so 1.2 - 0.8 = 0.4 = $\frac{2}{5}$ . Both methods work!

What does the answer 2/5 mean in real life?

If you had 6 pieces of a pizza cut into 5ths and ate 4 pieces, you'd have 2 pieces left - that's $\frac{2}{5}$ of the whole pizza!

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