Fraction Subtraction (like denominators)

 

To help you learn to subtract, I've explained how to subtract fractions in different situations, then, created an animated sample of subtracting.   To learn,

1. Read the explanation (steps), then 
2. Watch the animation and see if you can recognize the steps happening.

If you can see how the explanation matches the animation, you are close to knowing how to subtract fractions.

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The simplest case of fraction subtractions, is subtracting two proper fractions with common denominators:

	Subtract the top numbers (the numerators)
	Copy the bottom number (the denominator) to the answer

Sometimes, after subtracting fractions with common denominators, we have to reduce the answer.  Following subtraction, never leave the answer of until you have simplified (reduced) the answer:

	Subtract the top numbers
	Copy the bottom number to the answer
	Simplify/reduce the answer  (ie. if you can divide something into both top and bottom, do it.)

Sometimes, we have to subtract mixed numbers that have common denominators. If we need to subtract mixed numbers with common denominators:

	Subtract the top numbers of the fraction (the numerators)
	Copy the bottom number of the fraction (the denominators) to the answer
	Subtract the whole numbers

The hardest case of subtracting mixed numbers with common denominators will occur when we have to borrow from the whole numbers:

	Borrow 1 from the whole number
	Subtract the top numbers
	Copy the bottom number to the answer
	Subtract the whole numbers