Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 2/5 - 2/6 Step-by-Step

Fraction Subtraction with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

2526=? \frac{2}{5}-\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Multiply by the second denominator to find the common denominator
00:07 Make sure to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:19 Calculate the multiplications
00:26 Subtract with the common denominator
00:31 Calculate the numerator
00:35 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:39 Make sure to divide both numerator and denominator
00:43 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 exercise:

2526=? \frac{2}{5}-\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll walk through these steps:

  • Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD) for the denominators 5 and 6.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD.
  • Step 3: Subtract the numerators of the equivalent fractions.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD).
The denominators are 5 and 6. Since there is no common factor, the LCD is 5×6=30 5 \times 6 = 30 .

Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD.
For 25 \frac{2}{5} , multiply numerator and denominator by 6 to get 2×65×6=1230 \frac{2 \times 6}{5 \times 6} = \frac{12}{30} .
For 26 \frac{2}{6} , multiply numerator and denominator by 5 to get 2×56×5=1030 \frac{2 \times 5}{6 \times 5} = \frac{10}{30} .

Step 3: Subtract the fractions with the same denominator.
12301030=121030=230 \frac{12}{30} - \frac{10}{30} = \frac{12 - 10}{30} = \frac{2}{30} .

Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction.
230 \frac{2}{30} can be simplified by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.
Thus, 230=115 \frac{2}{30} = \frac{1}{15} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 115 \frac{1}{15} .

3

Final Answer

115 \frac{1}{15}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Rule: Find least common denominator to subtract fractions properly
  • Technique: Convert 25 \frac{2}{5} to 1230 \frac{12}{30} and 26 \frac{2}{6} to 1030 \frac{10}{30}
  • Check: Simplify final answer by dividing by GCD: 230÷2=115 \frac{2}{30} ÷ 2 = \frac{1}{15}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators along with numerators
    Don't subtract 2/5 - 2/6 by doing (2-2)/(5-6) = 0/(-1)! This treats fractions like simple subtraction and gives completely wrong results. Always find the LCD first, convert both fractions, then subtract only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 2-2 and 5-6 separately?

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Fractions represent parts of a whole, not separate numbers! You need the same denominator (same-sized pieces) before you can subtract. Think of it like subtracting 2 fifths from 2 sixths - they're different sized pieces!

How do I find the LCD when denominators have no common factors?

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When denominators like 5 and 6 share no common factors, simply multiply them together: 5 × 6 = 30. This gives you the LCD quickly without factoring!

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes, always simplify! Look for the greatest common divisor (GCD) of numerator and denominator. For 230 \frac{2}{30} , both divide by 2, giving 115 \frac{1}{15} .

What if one denominator divides evenly into the other?

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Great! The larger denominator becomes your LCD. For example, with denominators 3 and 6, use 6 as LCD since 6 ÷ 3 = 2 exactly.

Can I convert the fractions to decimals instead?

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You could, but fractions are more precise! Converting 25=0.4 \frac{2}{5} = 0.4 and 260.333... \frac{2}{6} ≈ 0.333... creates rounding errors. Stick with fractions for exact answers.

How do I check if my LCD is correct?

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Your LCD should be divisible by both original denominators. Check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 ✓ and 30 ÷ 6 = 5 ✓. If either division has a remainder, find a different LCD!

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