Solve the Fraction Equation: 8/10 - 2/6 Subtraction Problem

Fraction Subtraction with Unlike Denominators

Solve the following equation:

81026= \frac{8}{10}-\frac{2}{6}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to find the smallest common denominator
00:06 Therefore we'll multiply by 3 and 5 respectively to find the common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:16 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:25 Subtract under the common denominator
00:30 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

81026= \frac{8}{10}-\frac{2}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's first identify the lowest common denominator between 6 and 10.

To determine the lowest common denominator, we need to find a number that is divisible by both 6 and 10.

In this case, the common denominator is 30.

Now we'll proceed to multiply each fraction by the appropriate number to reach the denominator 30.

We'll multiply the first fraction by 3

We'll multiply the second fraction by 5

8×310×32×56×5=24301030 \frac{8\times3}{10\times3}-\frac{2\times5}{6\times5}=\frac{24}{30}-\frac{10}{30}

Now let's subtract:

241030=1430 \frac{24-10}{30}=\frac{14}{30}

3

Final Answer

1430 \frac{14}{30}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find LCD before subtracting fractions with different denominators
  • Technique: Convert 810 \frac{8}{10} to 2430 \frac{24}{30} and 26 \frac{2}{6} to 1030 \frac{10}{30}
  • Check: Verify 24301030=1430 \frac{24}{30} - \frac{10}{30} = \frac{14}{30} by converting back to original ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting numerators and denominators separately
    Don't subtract 8-2=6 and 10-6=4 to get 64 \frac{6}{4} ! This ignores that fractions represent division, not separate numbers. Always find the LCD first, then convert both fractions before subtracting only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Without calculating, determine whether the quotient in the division exercise is less than 1 or not:

\( 5:6= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the LCD of 6 and 10?

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List multiples of each number: 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30... and 10: 10, 20, 30... The first number that appears in both lists is your LCD, which is 30.

Why can't I just subtract 8-2 and 10-6?

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Because fractions represent parts of a whole! 810 \frac{8}{10} means 8 parts out of 10, while 26 \frac{2}{6} means 2 parts out of 6. You can't subtract different-sized parts directly.

Do I need to simplify my final answer?

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It's always good practice! 1430 \frac{14}{30} can be simplified by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (2) to get 715 \frac{7}{15} .

What if the LCD seems really big?

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Don't worry! Even if the LCD looks large like 30, the math still works the same way. Just multiply carefully and double-check your arithmetic to avoid errors.

Can I use a different common denominator instead of the LCD?

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Yes, but it makes the problem harder! You could use 60 instead of 30, but you'd get 48602060 \frac{48}{60} - \frac{20}{60} , which requires more simplification at the end.

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