Question

subtract,
\\(\frac{1}{2} - \frac{2}{8} = \square\\)
use the model to help you.
\\(\frac{1}{2}\\)
\\(-\\) \\(\frac{1}{8}\\) \\(\frac{1}{8}\\)
submit

Explanation:

Step1: Convert to common denominator

To subtract \(\frac{1}{2}\) and \(\frac{2}{8}\), first make the denominators the same. The denominator of \(\frac{1}{2}\) can be converted to 8 by multiplying numerator and denominator by 4: \(\frac{1\times4}{2\times4}=\frac{4}{8}\).

Step2: Subtract the fractions

Now subtract \(\frac{2}{8}\) from \(\frac{4}{8}\): \(\frac{4}{8}-\frac{2}{8}=\frac{4 - 2}{8}=\frac{2}{8}\), which simplifies to \(\frac{1}{4}\) (or we can also see from the model: \(\frac{1}{2}\) is equivalent to \(\frac{4}{8}\), and subtracting two \(\frac{1}{8}\) parts leaves two \(\frac{1}{8}\) parts, which is \(\frac{2}{8}=\frac{1}{4}\)).

Answer:

\(\frac{1}{4}\) (or \(\frac{2}{8}\) before simplification, but \(\frac{1}{4}\) is the simplified form)