Note:Subtracting mixed fractions? You could first convert each to an improper fraction. If they don't have common denominators, then find a common denominator and use it to rewrite each fraction. Then, subtract the fractions and simplify. In this tutorial, take a look at subtracting mixed fractions with unlike denominators! Show
You might like to read Adding Fractions first. There are 3 simple steps to subtract fractions
Example 1: 3 4 − 1 4Step 1. The bottom numbers are already the same. Go straight to step 2. Step 2. Subtract the top numbers and put the answer over the same denominator: 3 4 − 1 4 = 3 − 1 4 = 2 4
2 4 = 1 2 (If you are unsure of the last step see Equivalent Fractions.) Example 2: 1 2 − 1 6Step 1. The bottom numbers are different. See how the slices are different sizes? We need to make them the same before we can continue, because we can't subtract them like this:
To make the bottom numbers the same, multiply the top and bottom of the first fraction (1/2) by 3 like this:
And now our question looks like this: The bottom numbers (the denominators) are the same, so we can go to step 2. Step 2. Subtract the top numbers and put the answer over the same denominator: 3 6 − 1 6 = 3 − 1 6 = 2 6 In picture form it looks like this:
2 6 = 1 3 With Pen and PaperAnd here is how to do it with a pen and paper (press the play button): Subtracting Mixed FractionsI have a special page on Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions. Making the Denominators the SameIn the previous example it was easy to make the denominators the same, but it can be harder ... so you may need to use either the
They both work, use which one you prefer! Example: Cupcakes You want to sell cupcakes at a market:You get paid 2 5 of total salesBut you have to pay 1 4 of total sales for the stallHow much do you get?We need to subtract 1 4 from 2 5 2 5 − 1 4 = ? ? First make the bottom numbers (the denominators) the same. Multiply top and bottom of 2/5 by 4: 2 × 4 5 × 4 − 1 4 = ? ? And multiply top and bottom of 1/4 by 5: 2 × 4 5 × 4 − 1 × 5 4 × 5 = ? ? Now do the calculations: 8 20 − 5 20 = 8 − 5 20 = 3 20 Answer: you get to keep 3 20of total sales. Can you subtract with different denominators?If the denominators are not the same, then you have to use equivalent fractions which do have a common denominator . To do this, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators. To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, rename the fractions with a common denominator.
What are the 4 steps to subtracting fractions?Step 1: Take the LCM of the denominator. Step 2: Convert the denominators to the LCM Value by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the same number. Step 3: Once the denominator becomes equal, subtract the numerator. Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction, if necessary.
How do you add and subtract fractions with different denominators?Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators. STEP ONE: Get a common denominator.. STEP TWO: Add or subtract the numerators.. STEP THREE: Simplify the result if needed. Notice that 3/27 can be simplified, since the numerator and denominator are both divisible by 3.. And that's all there is to it! Final Answer:. |