Fraction calculator

Step 1. Make sure the bottom numbers (the denominators) are the sameStep 2. Subtract the top numbers (the numerators). Put the answer over the same denominator.Step 3. Simplify the fraction (if needed).

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Example 1:

34 − 14

Step 1. The bottom numbers are already the same. Go straight to step 2.

Step 2. Subtract the top numbers và put the answer over the same denominator:

34 − 14 = 3 − 14 = 24

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

24 = 12

(If you are unsure of the last step see Equivalent Fractions.)

Example 2:

12 − 16

Step 1. The bottom numbers are different. See how the slices are different sizes? We need to lớn make them the same before we can continue, because we can"t subtract them lượt thích this:

12	−	16	=	?

To make the bottom numbers the same, multiply the top & bottom of the first fraction (1/2) by 3 like this:

× 3

12

=

36

× 3

And now our question looks lượt thích this:

36	−	16

The bottom numbers (the denominators) are the same, so we can go khổng lồ step 2.

Step 2. Subtract the top numbers and put the answer over the same denominator:

36 − 16 = 3 − 16 = 26

In picture form it looks lượt thích this:

36	−	16	=	26

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

26 = 13

With Pen và Paper

And here is how lớn vày it with a pen & paper (press the play button):

Play with it! Try Subtracting Fractions Illustrated. Xem thêm: " Plot Ratio Là Gì - Hệ Số Sử Dụng Đất Tiếng Anh Là Gì

Subtracting Mixed Fractions

I have a special page on Adding & Subtracting Mixed Fractions.

Making the Denominators the Same

In the previous example it was easy khổng lồ make the denominators the same, but it can be harder ... so you may need to use either the

They both work, use which one you prefer!

Example: Cupcakes

You want khổng lồ sell cupcakes at a market:

You get paid 25 of total salesBut you have sầu khổng lồ pay 14 of total sales for the stall

How much bởi vì you get?

We need khổng lồ subtract 14 from 25

25 − 14 = ??

First make the bottom numbers (the denominators) the same.

Multiply top and bottom of 2/5 by 4:

2 × 45 × 4 − 14 = ??

And multiply top và bottom of 1/4 by 5:

2 × 45 × 4 − 1 × 54 × 5 = ??

Now vị the calculations:

820 − 520 = 8 − 520 = 320

Answer: you get to keep 320 of total sales.

Worksheets
Introduction to Fractions Subtracting Fractions Illustrated Simplifying Fractions Equivalent Fractions Adding Fractions Subtracting Fractions Multiplying Fractions Dividing Fractions Fractions Index