Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators:

Remember that given a fraction, such as , the top number is the numerator (namely 1) and the bottom number is the denominator (namely 2)

 

Example 1:

Whenever you subtract fractions with like denominators, you subtract the numerators to create the answer numerator, and use the same denominator as the answer denominator.

 

Example 2:

Whenever you subtract fractions with like denominators, you subtract the numerators to create the answer numerator, and use the same denominator as the answer denominator.  In this case you must also reduce your final fraction.

 

Don’t forget to reduce your answer to lowest terms, i.e.

 

Try this problem:

 

 

 

When you are ready, click here to go to the subtraction of fractions with like denominators practice page.  You may need some scratch paper to do the practice.