This math skill teaches how to find a missing fraction by subtracting a given fraction from it to reach a desired fraction. The skill involves making denominators identical to simplify the subtraction process and accurately compute the missing fraction.
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Fraction subtraction missing value with a changed denominator
Test your understanding of fraction subtraction with changed denominator by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.
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What number can we subtract 1 sixth from to get a difference of 2 thirds?
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First, notice that our denominators are different. Any time we are working with adding, subtracting, or comparing fractions, we want our denominators to be the same. The lowest common multiple of 3 and 6 is 6
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If we multiply top and bottom by 2, then 2 thirds becomes 4 sixths as an equivalent fraction
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We can substitute that in, as they are identical in value.
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Now that the denominators are the same, the only thing that matters is the numerator, and we can see that 5 sixths, minus 1 sixth, equals 4 sixths, or 2 thirds.