Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 7/5 - 4/5 Step-by-Step

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

The denominator tells you what type of pieces you're working with. Since both fractions have fifths, you're subtracting the same type of pieces, so the denominator stays 5.

Q: What if my answer is bigger than 1?

That's called an improper fraction and it's perfectly valid! You can leave it as $ \frac{6}{5} $ or convert to mixed number $ 1\frac{1}{5} $.

Q: Do I always need to simplify my answer?

Yes, if possible! Always check if your numerator and denominator share common factors. In this problem, $ \frac{3}{5} $ is already in simplest form since 3 and 5 share no common factors.

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

Add your answer back to the second fraction: $ \frac{3}{5}+\frac{4}{5}=\frac{7}{5} $. If you get the first fraction back, your subtraction is correct!

Q: What if the denominators were different?

You'd need to find equivalent fractions with a common denominator first, then subtract. But since both denominators are 5, you can subtract directly!

Fraction Subtraction with Like Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{7}{5}-\frac{4}{5}=\text{?}$

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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, count the squares as shown in the first fraction. Ready? Let's go!

00:18 Now, remember we need to subtract the second fraction. Got that?

00:22 So, we'll erase the squares for the second fraction. Keep watching closely.

00:28 Great job! 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:

$\frac{7}{5}-\frac{4}{5}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll execute the following steps:

Step 1: Identify like denominators.
Step 2: Subtract numerators, keeping the common denominator.
Step 3: Simplify if necessary.

Let's work through the solution:

Step 1: Both fractions, $\frac{7}{5}$ and $\frac{4}{5}$ , have the same denominator of 5.

Step 2: Subtract the numerators: $7 - 4 = 3$ .

Step 3: The result is $\frac{3}{5}$ , with no further simplification necessary.

The correct solution to the given subtraction problem is $\frac{3}{5}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{3}{5}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When denominators match, subtract numerators and keep denominator
Technique: For $\frac{7}{5}-\frac{4}{5}$ , calculate 7 - 4 = 3
Check: Verify $\frac{3}{5}$ by adding back: $\frac{3}{5}+\frac{4}{5}=\frac{7}{5}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting both numerators and denominators
Don't subtract denominators like 7/5 - 4/5 = 3/0 = undefined result! This destroys the fraction completely and gives meaningless answers. Always keep the common denominator unchanged when subtracting fractions with like denominators.

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 type of pieces you're working with. Since both fractions have fifths, you're subtracting the same type of pieces, so the denominator stays 5.

What if my answer is bigger than 1?

That's called an improper fraction and it's perfectly valid! You can leave it as $\frac{6}{5}$ or convert to mixed number $1\frac{1}{5}$ .

Do I always need to simplify my answer?

Yes, if possible! Always check if your numerator and denominator share common factors. In this problem, $\frac{3}{5}$ is already in simplest form since 3 and 5 share no common factors.

How can I check if my subtraction is correct?

Add your answer back to the second fraction: $\frac{3}{5}+\frac{4}{5}=\frac{7}{5}$ . If you get the first fraction back, your subtraction is correct!

What if the denominators were different?

You'd need to find equivalent fractions with a common denominator first, then subtract. But since both denominators are 5, you can subtract directly!

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