➖ Subtracting Fractions

Learn how to subtract like and unlike fractions step by step.

⭐ Golden Rule

Make the denominators the SAME before subtracting fractions.

1️⃣ If the denominators are different, make them the same first.
2️⃣ Keep the same denominator and subtract the numerators only.
🚫 Never subtract the denominators.

📚 Let's See How It Works

➖ Example: Subtracting Like Fractions

5 7 − 2 7 = 3 7
Step 1: Check the denominators.
They are both 7.
Step 2: Keep the denominator 7.
Step 3: Subtract the numerators.
5 − 2 = 3
Answer = 3 7

➖ Example: Subtracting Unlike Fractions

2 3 − 1 2
Step 1: The denominators are different: 3 and 2.
Step 2: Multiply the first fraction by the second denominator (2) and the second fraction by the first denominator (3).
2 × 2 3 × 2 − 1 × 3 2 × 3
Step 3: Now the denominators are the same.
4 6 − 3 6
Step 4: Subtract the numerators:
4 − 3 = 1
1 6
Answer = 1 6

✏️ More Examples

🟢 Like Fractions

7 8 − 2 8 = 5 8
4 5 − 2 5 = 2 5
8 9 − 4 9 = 4 9
9 10 − 3 10 = 6 10
6 7 − 1 7 = 5 7

🔵 Unlike Fractions

3 4 − 1 2 = 3 4 − 2 4 = 1 4
5 6 − 1 3 = 5 6 − 2 6 = 3 6 = 1 2
7 10 − 1 5 = 7 10 − 2 10 = 5 10 = 1 2
3 4 − 1 8 = 6 8 − 1 8 = 5 8
2 3 − 1 9 = 6 9 − 1 9 = 5 9

🎯 Practice Activity

First, identify the fractions

Are the denominators the same?

Choose Like or Unlike to start!

Now solve the subtraction.


Score: 0

📝 Practice Questions

1. 6 8 − 2 8 = ______
2. 7 9 − 3 9 = ______
3. 3 4 − 1 2 = ______
4. 5 6 − 1 3 = ______
5. 7 10 − 2 5 = ______
6. 5 8 − 1 4 = ______

🚨 Common Mistake

Wrong: 5 7 − 2 7 = 3 0 ❌

Correct: 5 7 − 2 7 = 3 7 ✅

Remember: Subtract the numerators, but do NOT subtract the denominators.

Simplifying Fractions

Adding Fractions

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