Question 962045: Hi, I would really appreciate your help please, with this question "find in its simplest form, 5/6 - 1/3" I'm not sure how to work it out, I don't know whether I divide it and cancel it down but then I remember my tutor mentioning something about a cross method but I think that was just to times them. I'm sorry if I make no sense, it's just I'm really confused and would like your help. Regards Hannah
Answer by EdenWolf(517)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Hi Hanna,
This is a fraction subtraction problem, as I see. Is it set up like this?  . If so, then first we have to find the common denominator of 6 and 3 so we can subtract them. The common denominator of 6 and 3 is 6. We leave  alone, since the denominator is already 6, but we multiply 1 and 3 by 2 to get 6 in the denominator. Sorry if this sounds very confusing, but I'll try to explain as best I can.
It will look like this:
Now we subtract 5 and 2, and leave the denominator alone. Remember, when subtracting or adding fractions with the same denominator, only subtract or add the numerator, and leave the denominator alone.
Basically, subtract 5 and 2 to get 3. Your fraction would then look like this:
If you want to simplify the fraction, it would be  .
Hope I helped. I'm sorry if you're still confused, you can ask me any questions you might have.
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