Step-by-Step Subtract Fractions Calculator: Understand the Math Behind the Results!

What is Subtracting Fractions?

Subtracting fractions is a mathematical operation that involves finding the difference between two fractions. It is the process of taking away one fraction from another to determine how much is left. Subtracting fractions is an important concept in arithmetic and is commonly used in various mathematical applications.

Numerator and Denominator

In a fraction, the top number is called the numerator, and the bottom number is called the denominator. The numerator represents the number of parts we have, while the denominator represents the total number of equal parts that make up a whole. When subtracting fractions, the denominators must be the same, so we can subtract the numerators correctly.

Common Denominator

To subtract fractions, we need to ensure that both fractions have the same common denominator. The common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of the fractions being subtracted. By converting the fractions to have the same denominator, we can then subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same.

Subtracting Fractions with the Same Denominator

When subtracting fractions with the same denominator, we simply subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. The resulting fraction will have the same denominator as the original fractions. For example, to subtract 2/5 from 3/5, we subtract the numerators (3 - 2 = 1) and keep the denominator the same (5). The difference is 1/5.

Subtracting Fractions with Different Denominators

When subtracting fractions with different denominators, we first find a common denominator by determining the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. Once we have the common denominator, we convert each fraction so that they have the same denominator. Then, we subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator. Finally, we simplify the resulting fraction, if possible.

Example:

To subtract 2/3 from 5/8, we find the least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 8, which is 24. We convert both fractions so they have the common denominator of 24. Thus, 5/8 becomes 15/24 (multiply numerator and denominator by 3) and 2/3 becomes 16/24 (multiply numerator and denominator by 8). Now, we subtract the numerators (15 - 16 = -1) and keep the denominator as 24. The difference is -1/24, which can be simplified to -1/24.

In summary, subtracting fractions is the process of finding the difference between two fractions. It requires the fractions to have a common denominator, and the numerators are subtracted while keeping the denominator the same. Subtracting fractions is an important concept in mathematics and is used in various real-life applications where quantities or parts need to be subtracted or compared.