1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $2 - \frac{1}{3}$. 2. **Recall the rule:** To subtract a fraction from a whole number, convert the whole number to a fraction with the same denominator. 3. Convert 2 to a fraction with denominator 3: $$2 = \frac{6}{3}$$ 4. Now subtract: $$\frac{6}{3} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{6 - 1}{3} = \frac{5}{3}$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$2 - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{5}{3}$$