| Follow the following
steps to subtract fractions: |
| |
|
| 1. |
Write the numbers
vertically: Go
to the NEXT step... |
|
| 2.
|
Do
you have a Common Denominator?
(same bottom number = same size pieces)
|
NO:
Continue below...
|
|
| YES: Skip to the
NEXT STEP.
|
|
Change to equivalent fractions with a
common denominator:
- Find a number divisible by BOTH
denominators (such as the LCM: Least Common Multiple).
- Multiply both the numerator AND
denominator of one fraction by the SAME NUMBER to get
an equivalent fraction with the common denominator.
- Repeat with the other fraction.
Go to the NEXT step...
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|
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3.
|
Do you need to Borrow? |
NO:
Continue below...
|
|
| YES: Skip to the
NEXT STEP.
|
|
|
Borrow from the whole number:
- Mark how many whole ones remain after removing
one of them.
- Add the number of pieces in one whole
(the denominator) to the number of pieces you already have (the
numerator) to find the total number of pieces from which you'll
subtract.
Go to the NEXT step...
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|
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4.
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Do the Subtraction:
|
- Subtract the numerators: top minus
bottom
(to find the remaining number of pieces).
Keep that denominator.
- Subtract the whole numbers (if any): top
minus bottom.
Go to the NEXT step...
|
|
| 5. |
Is
the Fraction in Lowest Terms?
|
NO:
Continue below...
|
|
| YES: Skip to the
NEXT STEP.
|
|
Reduce the fraction:
- Divide both the numerator and the
denominator by the same number.
- Repeat until the only common factor is one.
Go to the NEXT step...
|
|
| 6. |
Check your
answer.
|
