➖ When Can We Subtract Fractions?
The easiest way is when the fractions have the **same denominator**. Then we only subtract the numerators.
Remember: The answer should be a proper fraction or mixed number.
✅ Subtracting with Same Denominator
Example 1:
5/6 − 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2
(5 − 2 = 3, denominator stays 6)
Example 2:
7/8 − 3/8 = 4/8 = 1/2
Rule: When denominators are the same, just subtract the numerators and keep the same denominator. Then simplify if possible.
🔄 Subtracting with Different Denominators
We need to make the denominators the same first (find equivalent fractions).
Example: 3/4 − 1/2
Change 1/2 to 2/4
3/4 − 2/4 = 1/4
Example: 5/6 − 1/3
Change 1/3 to 2/6
5/6 − 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2
✏️ Let’s Practice Together, My Dear Student!
Practice 1: Same Denominator
1. 5/7 − 2/7 = 3/7
2. 7/8 − 3/8 = 4/8 = 1/2
3. 9/10 − 4/10 = 5/10 = 1/2
Practice 2: Different Denominators
1. 3/4 − 1/2 = 1/4
2. 5/6 − 1/4 = 10/12 − 3/12 = 7/12
3. 2/3 − 1/6 = 4/6 − 1/6 = 3/6 = 1/2
Practice 3: Word Problems (Canadian Style)
1. You had 3/4 of a chocolate bar. You gave 1/4 to your friend. What fraction do you have left?
3/4 − 1/4 = 2/4 = 1/2
2. A hockey game is 1 hour long. You practiced skating for 5/6 of the hour and then rested for 1/3 of the hour. How much time did you spend skating more than resting?
5/6 − 1/3 = 5/6 − 2/6 = 3/6 = 1/2 hour
Challenge Question
7/8 − 3/5 = 35/40 − 24/40 = 11/40
Fantastic Job, My Dear Student! 🎉
You are now excellent at both adding and subtracting simple fractions! Just remember to make the denominators the same first.
I am so proud of how far you have come in the Fractions unit. You are ready for even more advanced fraction work!
💕 You are smart. You are kind. You can do hard things.
When you are ready, tell me the next topic and I will create another beautiful lesson just for you!