Example of Subtracting Fractions

Math / by admin / July 04, 2021

Fractions are numerical values that are written with a numerator (it tells us how many halves, thirds, etc. we speak) and a denominator (indicates how many parts the unit is divided into). Being quantities, fractions participate in all basic mathematical operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This time, we will talk about subtraction.

Find all about fractions here: Fractions Example.

How do you subtract the fractions?

To subtract fractions, the requirements are as follows:

All must be in the form of a proper fraction or improper fraction
That they all have the same denominator

If the fractions are mixed, they will have to be converted to an improper fraction first.

There are going to be two main cases in which we will have to subtract fractions:

Subtraction of fractions with the same denominator
Subtraction of fractions with different denominators

Subtraction of fractions with the same denominator

When you have the same denominator in the two fractions, the subtraction is calculated as follows:

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The difference between the positive and negative numerators is calculated
If the upper value is positive, the result will have a positive sign
If the upper value is negative, the result will have a negative sign
The result is expressed. If it is an improper fraction, it becomes a mixed fraction

For example:

$Subtraction of fractions with the same denominator$

Subtraction of fractions with different denominators

When there are different denominators in the fractions, the ones that require it must be converted in equivalent fractions with the same denominator. When they are ready, the difference between the numerators can be calculated. In the end, if the result is an improper fraction, it is converted to a mixed fraction to write it more formally.

For example:

$Subtraction of fractions with different denominators$