What is 1/4 minus 3/4? (Answer: -1/2)

Exact Answer

==================================================
Problem: What is 1/4 minus 3/4?
Formula / Expression: 1/4 − 3/4
Final Answer: -1/2
==================================================

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Check the Denominators (Like Fractions)
Both fractions already share the identical denominator (4). Because these are like fractions, no conversion to a common denominator is required—we directly subtract their numerators while keeping the denominator 4.
Working: 1/4 − 3/4

Step 2: Subtract the Numerators
Now subtract the numerators (1 − 3 = -2) and keep the common denominator 4 unchanged.
Working: 1 − 3/4 = -2/4

Step 3: Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 2 and 4, which is 2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 2.
Working: -2 ÷ 2/4 ÷ 2 = -1/2

Step 4: Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator -1 by denominator 2 yields an exact terminating decimal of -0.5 (or -50%).
Working: -1 ÷ 2 = -0.5 (-50%)

Key Values:
- Simplified Fraction: -1/2
- Mixed Number Form: -1/2
- Decimal Value: -0.5
- Percentage: -50%

--------------------------------------------------
Solved with FractionsCalc:
https://fractionscalc.com/what-is-1-4-minus-3-4/
==================================================

1/4 − 3/4 = -1/2

Simplified Fraction

-1/2

Mixed Number

Proper (-1/2)

Decimal Value

-0.5

Percentage

-50%

Reduce / Convert Fraction:

Convert Fraction:

Enter Decimal Number:

Enter Percentage: %

What is % of

From Value: To Value:

Simplify Ratio: :

First Number: Second Number:

Find All Factors of:

Dividend: ÷ Divisor:

√ Square Root of: OR Power (x^y): ^{^}

x² + x + = 0

Number (n! & log):

Circle Radius (r):

Side a: Side b:

Angle (Degrees): °

Numbers (comma separated):

Total Items (n): Choose (r):

Decimal Number:

Number (1–3999):

Step-by-Step Solution: 1/4 − 3/4

Step 1

Check the Denominators (Like Fractions)

Both fractions already share the identical denominator (4). Because these are like fractions, no conversion to a common denominator is required—we directly subtract their numerators while keeping the denominator 4.

1/4 − 3/4

Step 2

Subtract the Numerators

Now subtract the numerators (1 − 3 = -2) and keep the common denominator 4 unchanged.

1 − 3/4 = -2/4

Step 3

Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms

Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 2 and 4, which is 2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 2.

-2 ÷ 2/4 ÷ 2 = -1/2

Step 4

Decimal & Percentage Representation

Dividing the numerator -1 by denominator 2 yields an exact terminating decimal of -0.5 (or -50%).

-1 ÷ 2 = -0.5 (-50%)

Visual Representation

The diagram below illustrates 1/4 minus 3/4 visually:

−

Summary & Alternative Representations

Property / Format	Value
Lowest Terms Fraction	`-1/2`
Mixed Number Form	`-1/2`
Decimal Form	`-0.5`
Percentage	`-50%`

Was this solution helpful?

Help us improve our free step-by-step tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1/4 minus 3/4 as a fraction?

1/4 − 3/4 in simplest fraction form is -1/2.

What is 1/4 minus 3/4 as a decimal?

1/4 − 3/4 converted to a decimal is -0.5.

What is 1/4 minus 3/4 as a percentage?

1/4 − 3/4 expressed as a percentage is -50%.

Does 1/4 minus 3/4 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?

It results in an exact terminating decimal (-0.5) because the denominator in simplest terms contains only prime factors 2 and/or 5.