## Subtracting fractions

It is a three step process to subtract fractions.

1. Rename with common denominators
2. Subtract whole numbers and numerators
3. 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 $$5\frac{4}{6}\,-\,2\frac{1}{6}\,=$$ Subtract $$3\frac{3}{6}$$ Simplify $$3\frac{1}{2}$$

Duane Habecker, Created with GeoGebra

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]   $\large~4\frac{8}{9}-1\frac{3}{4}=$ $\large~4\frac{32}{36}-1\frac{27}{36}=$ $\large~3\frac{5}{36}$