Solve Fraction Subtraction: 2/4 - 1/6 Step-by-Step

To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:

• Step 1: Simplify the initial fraction $\frac{2}{4}$.
• Step 2: Find a common denominator for $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{6}$.
• Step 3: Convert the fractions to have the common denominator.
• Step 4: Subtract the fractions.
• Step 5: Simplify the resulting fraction.

Let's work through these steps:

Step 1: Simplify $\frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}$.

Step 2: Identify the least common denominator (LCD) for $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{6}$. The denominators are 2 and 6, and the LCM of 2 and 6 is 6.

Step 3: Convert both fractions to have this common denominator.
$\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 3}{2 \times 3} = \frac{3}{6}$
$\frac{1}{6} = \frac{1}{6}$ (already with the correct denominator).

Step 4: Subtract the fractions:
$\frac{3}{6} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{3 - 1}{6} = \frac{2}{6}$.

Step 5: Simplify the resulting fraction $\frac{2}{6}$. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 2 and 6, which is 2, and divide both numerator and denominator by 2:
$\frac{2}{6} = \frac{2 \div 2}{6 \div 2} = \frac{1}{3}$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{1}{3}$.