Fraction Subtraction (unlike 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 different denominators:

	Select a common denominator
	Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator
	Subtract the top numbers (the numerators)
	Copy the bottom number (the denominator) to the answer

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

	Select a common denominator
	Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator
	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 different denominators. If we need to subtract mixed numbers with common denominators:

	Select a common denominator
	Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator
	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 different denominators will occur when we have to borrow from the whole numbers:

	Select a common denominator
	Change the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator
	Borrow 1 from the whole number
	Subtract the top numbers
	Copy the bottom number to the answer
	Subtract the whole numbers