Question

subtract.
\\(\frac{2}{5} - \frac{1}{10} = \square\\)
use the model to help you.
\\(\

$$\begin{array}{c}\ \\text{ } - \\frac{1}{10}\\\\\ \\end{array}$$

\\)
(image: two blue rectangles labeled \\(\frac{1}{5}\\) each, and a yellow rectangle labeled \\(\frac{1}{10}\\))

Explanation:

Step1: Find a common denominator

The denominators are 5 and 10. The least common denominator is 10. Rewrite $\frac{2}{5}$ with denominator 10: $\frac{2}{5}=\frac{2\times2}{5\times2}=\frac{4}{10}$.

Step2: Subtract the fractions

Now subtract $\frac{1}{10}$ from $\frac{4}{10}$: $\frac{4}{10}-\frac{1}{10}=\frac{4 - 1}{10}=\frac{3}{10}$.

Answer:

$\frac{3}{10}$