Question

Perform the indicated operation. Write all results in lowest terms. $$\frac{7}{9}-\frac{1}{9}$$

Short answer

Answer: The result is $$\frac{2}{3}$$.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the denominators

The denominators in both fractions are the same, which is 9. This makes the subtraction straightforward because we will not need to find a common denominator.

Perform the subtraction

Since the denominators are the same, we will only perform the subtraction on the numerators: $$\frac{7}{9}-\frac{1}{9} = \frac{7-1}{9}$$

Calculate the new numerator

Now, subtract the numerators: $$7-1 = 6$$

Write the result

Combine the calculated numerator and the denominator to obtain the result: $$\frac{6}{9}$$

Simplify the fraction

Divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (3):$$\frac{6}{9} = \frac{6 \div 3}{9 \div 3} = \frac{2}{3}$$ The final result is: $$\frac{2}{3}$$