Calculate 1/3 Minus 1/2 In Simple Fraction Form

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Understanding Fractions

Fractions are a way to represent part of a whole. They consist of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). The numerator tells us how many equal parts we have, and the denominator tells us how many parts the whole is divided into.

Calculating 1/3 Minus 1/2

To calculate 1/3 minus 1/2, we need to follow the order of operations and subtract the two fractions.

First, we need to find a common denominator for both fractions. The least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 2 is 6.

Step 1: Convert 1/3 to have a denominator of 6

To convert 1/3 to have a denominator of 6, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2:

1/3 = (1 x 2) / (3 x 2) = 2/6

Step 2: Convert 1/2 to have a denominator of 6

To convert 1/2 to have a denominator of 6, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3:

1/2 = (1 x 3) / (2 x 3) = 3/6

Step 3: Subtract the fractions

Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can subtract them:

1/3 - 1/2 = 2/6 - 3/6 = -1/6

So, 1/3 minus 1/2 is equal to -1/6.

Simplifying the Answer

The fraction -1/6 is already in its simplest form. However, we can express it as a decimal or a percentage if needed:

-1/6 = -0.17 (rounded to two decimal places) -1/6 = -16.67% (rounded to two decimal places)

Practical Applications

Fractions are used in various real-world applications, such as cooking, construction, and finance. For example, a recipe might call for 1/3 cup of sugar minus 1/2 cup of honey. By calculating the difference, we can determine the correct amount of sweetener to use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with fractions, it's essential to avoid common mistakes, such as:

• Forgetting to find a common denominator before adding or subtracting fractions
• Confusing the numerator and denominator
• Not simplifying fractions after performing operations

By following the correct steps and avoiding these mistakes, you can become proficient in calculating fractions and applying them to real-world problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calculating 1/3 minus 1/2 requires finding a common denominator and subtracting the fractions. By following these steps, we can determine that the correct answer is -1/6. Remember to avoid common mistakes and practice working with fractions to improve your math skills.

Invite readers to share their thoughts or questions about calculating fractions in the comments below!