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Subtracting Fractions

 

When you have finished this page, try the Subtracting Fractions Quiz.

Subtracting fractions has special rules to follow. One must have a common or same denominator among the fractions to be subtracted. The denominators stay the same while one numerator is subtracted from the other. The example below is one in which the denominators are the same.

 

subtract like fractions animation

3
10

Three tenths minus

 

2
10

Two tenths equals

 

1
10

One tenth

 

    

When subtracting two fractions with unlike denominators, it is necessary to make both fractions into equivalent fractions with the same denominators.

Unlike fraction animation

1
2

One half which must be converted to tenths minus

 

3
10

Three tenths equals

 

2
10

Two tenths which equals when two is divided into the numerator and denominator

 

1
5

One fifth

 

 

 

Subtracting Fractions Videos

Fractions Main Page Types of Fractions Equal Fractions Adding Fractions
Subtracting Fractions Multiplying Fractions Dividing Fractions Factors