Video and Examples

This video will show you how to subtract fractions. Sample: $5\frac{5}{6}\,-\,2\frac{2}{9}\,=$

It is a three step process to subtract fractions.

Rename with common denominators
Subtract whole numbers and numerators
Simplify (if needed)

The problem	$5\frac{5}{6}\,-\,2\frac{2}{9}\,=$
Rename with common denominators	$5\frac{15}{18}\,-\,2\frac{4}{18}\,=$
Subtract	$3\frac{11}{18}$
Simplify	not needed this time

Here is another example.

The problem	$5\frac{2}{3}\,-\,2\frac{1}{6}\,=$
Rename with common denominators	[show answer] $5\frac{4}{6}\,-\,2\frac{1}{6}\,=$
Subtract	[show answer] $3\frac{3}{6}$
Simplify	[show answer] $3\frac{1}{2}$

Duane Habecker, Created with GeoGebra

View subtracting fractions with the area model.

For more practice with fractions, please try this Fraction Calculator.

Self-Check

Question 1

$\large~8\frac{3}{5}-4\frac{1}{3}=$

[show answer]

$\large~8\frac{3}{5}-4\frac{1}{3}=$

$\large~8\frac{9}{15}-4\frac{5}{15}=$

$\large~4\frac{4}{15}$

Question 2

$\large~6\frac{2}{3}-2\frac{5}{8}=$

[show answer]

$\large~6\frac{2}{3}-2\frac{5}{8}=$

$\large~6\frac{16}{24}-2\frac{15}{24}=$

$\large~4\frac{1}{24}$

Question 3

$\large~4\frac{8}{9}-1\frac{3}{4}=$

[show answer]

$\large~4\frac{8}{9}-1\frac{3}{4}=$

$\large~4\frac{32}{36}-1\frac{27}{36}=$

$\large~3\frac{5}{36}$

Last modified: Thursday, 16 April 2020, 2:08 PM