Subtracting Fractions Practice Problems with Answers
Five solved subtraction problems first, then unlimited practice with like denominators, unlike denominators, and mixed numbers.
Addition
Add fractions with like and unlike denominators
Subtraction
Subtract fractions with like and unlike denominators
Multiplication
Multiply fractions and mixed numbers
Division
Divide fractions and mixed numbers
Simplifying
Reduce fractions to lowest terms
Equivalent
Find the missing number
Comparing
Pick <, = or >
Mixed Numbers
Mixed numbers and improper fractions
5 subtracting fractions problems with answers
Each one shows the answer and the working. Try it yourself first, then check.
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1.5/7 - 2/7
Answer: 3/7
Same denominator, so subtract numerators only: 5 - 2 = 3. The denominator stays 7.
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2.3/4 - 1/2
Answer: 1/4
Rewrite 1/2 as 2/4, then subtract: 3/4 - 2/4 = 1/4.
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3.7/10 - 2/5
Answer: 3/10
10 is a multiple of 5, so only 2/5 changes: 2/5 = 4/10. Then 7/10 - 4/10 = 3/10.
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4.5/6 - 3/8
Answer: 11/24
The LCD of 6 and 8 is 24. Rewrite as 20/24 - 9/24 = 11/24, already simplest.
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5.1 1/4 - 2/3
Answer: 7/12
Convert 1 1/4 to 5/4. The LCD of 4 and 3 is 12: 15/12 - 8/12 = 7/12.
Open this problem in the calculator
Quick Tips
- Find a common denominator before subtracting.
- Subtract only the numerators once denominators match.
- Remember to simplify the final answer.
- If the first fraction is smaller, the result might be negative!
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Understanding Fraction Subtraction
How to Subtract Fractions
Subtracting fractions is very similar to adding them:
- Find a common denominator if the fractions have different denominators.
- Convert fractions to equivalent forms with the common denominator.
- Subtract the second numerator from the first numerator. Keep the common denominator.
- Simplify the resulting fraction if needed.
Example
Let's subtract 3/4 - 1/6:
- Find a common denominator: 12 (the least common multiple of 4 and 6)
- Convert 3/4 to 9/12 (multiply numerator and denominator by 3)
- Convert 1/6 to 2/12 (multiply numerator and denominator by 2)
- Subtract the numerators: 9/12 - 2/12 = 7/12
- 7/12 is already in simplest form
Important Note
Be careful when subtracting a larger fraction from a smaller one, as this can result in a negative fraction.