Question

Subtract `1/6` from `1/2`.

Answer 1

Converting the given fractions into like fractions.

LCM of the denominators of `1/6` and `1/2`

2	6, 2
3	3, 1
	1, 1

∴ LCM of 6 and 2 = 2 × 3 = 6

Now, we convert the given fractions into equivalent fractions with denominator 6.

So, `(1 xx 1)/(6 xx 1) = 1/6` and `1/2 = (1 xx 3)/(2 xx 3) = 3/6`

∴ `1/2 - 1/6 = 3/6 - 1/6`

= `(3 - 1)/6`

= `(3 ÷ 2)/(6 ÷ 2)`  ...`[(because  "For reducing a fraction to its lowest terms, we divide"),("its numerator and denominator by their HCF")]`

= `1/3`