What is 1/4 - 1/5?
Calculate 1/4 - 1/5 with a complete step-by-step solution. Learn how to subtract fractions and understand the process.
Answer:
1/4 - 1/5 = \frac{1}{20}
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1
Identify the Fractions
To subtract fractions, they must have the same denominator (bottom number).
\frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{5} = ?
Step 2
Find the Common Denominator
The denominators are different (4 and 5), so we need a common denominator.
The Least Common Denominator (LCD) of 4 and 5 is 20.
\text{LCD}(4, 5) = 20
Step 3
Convert First Fraction
Multiply top and bottom by 5
\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 5}{4 \times 5} = \frac{5}{20}
Step 4
Convert Second Fraction
Multiply top and bottom by 4
\frac{1}{5} = \frac{1 \times 4}{5 \times 4} = \frac{4}{20}
Step 5
Subtract the Fractions
Now both fractions have the same denominator.
\frac{5}{20} - \frac{4}{20} = \frac{5 - 4}{20} = \frac{1}{20}
Step 6
Final Answer
The result is 1/20
As a decimal: 0.05
\frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{5} = \frac{1}{20}