Answer:
2/9
Step-by-step explanation:
Step 1
We can't subtract two fractions with different denominators. So you need to get a common denominator. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.
So we multiply 5 by 6, and get 30.
Then we multiply 2 by 9, and get 18.
Next we give both terms new denominators -- 9 × 6 = 54.
So now our fractions look like this:
30
54
−
18
54
Step 2
Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.
30 − 18 = 12
So the answer is:
12
54
Step 3
Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?
To find out, we try dividing it by 2...
Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
12
54
÷ 2 =
6
27
Let's try dividing by 2 again...
Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...
Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:
6
27
÷ 3 =
2
9
Let's try dividing by 3 again...
No good. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.
There you have it! The final answer is:
5
9
−
2
6
=
2
9