What is 3/5 - 1/3?
Calculate 3/5 - 1/3 with a complete step-by-step solution. Learn how to subtract fractions and understand the process.
Answer:
3/5 - 1/3 = \frac{4}{15}
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1
Identify the Fractions
To subtract fractions, they must have the same denominator (bottom number).
\frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{3} = ?
Step 2
Find the Common Denominator
The denominators are different (5 and 3), so we need a common denominator.
The Least Common Denominator (LCD) of 5 and 3 is 15.
\text{LCD}(5, 3) = 15
Step 3
Convert First Fraction
Multiply top and bottom by 3
\frac{3}{5} = \frac{3 \times 3}{5 \times 3} = \frac{9}{15}
Step 4
Convert Second Fraction
Multiply top and bottom by 5
\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 5}{3 \times 5} = \frac{5}{15}
Step 5
Subtract the Fractions
Now both fractions have the same denominator.
\frac{9}{15} - \frac{5}{15} = \frac{9 - 5}{15} = \frac{4}{15}
Step 6
Final Answer
The result is 4/15
As a decimal: 0.266667
\frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{15}