Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators

Subtracting fractions with like denominators is comparatively easy as in this you don’t need to equalize the denominator by taking LCM and multiplying the required factor in the denominator. One should follow the below-mentioned steps for subtracting fractions with like denominators.

Step 1: First identify larger and smaller fractions. If two fractions have the same denominators then the fraction with a larger denominator is larger.

Step 2: Arrange the fraction for subtraction and take the LCM of the denominator. The LCM of the same number is the number itself.

Step 3: Since, the LCM is same the factor on dividing LCM and the denominator is 1 with which multiply the numerators.

Step 4: Subtract the numerators mentioned in the fraction and write the same denominator to get the answer.

Example: Find the difference between 5/4 and 3/4

Step 1: Since the denominator is the same therefore fraction with a larger denominator is larger. Hence, 5/4 > 3/4.

Step 2: Arrange the fraction 5/4 – 3/4. Now the LCM of 4 will be 4.

Step 3: On dividing LCM 4 by denominator 4 we get 1 which we will multiply with numerators 5 and 3.

Step 4: Hence, on multiplying with 1 we get (5-3)/4 as the fraction. Thus 2/4 is our desired result.

Note: If the fraction can be reduced to simpler forms, reduce it. For example, here we can reduce 2/4 to 1/2.

Subtracting Fractions With Like Denominators Example

In this section, we will understand subtracting fractions having the same denominators with the help of the pictures. For Example, let us assume we have to subtract 3/4 and 1/4

The image added below shows 3/4 of a whole and 1/4 of a whole.

When the denominators are the same, there’s no need to find the Least Common Multiple (LCM). The image won’t be divided further, like we did in the case of different denominators.

Now the only thing we have to do is to subtract the numerators while keeping the denominators the same to get the desired result. Also, check if the obtained result can be further reduced to simpler forms to get the final result. Hence, our result will be (3 – 1)/4 = 2/4 = 1/2 which is shown in the figure below.

Also, learn about Addition of Fractions

To subtract fractions, first check and find the common denominator, then subtract the numerators and simply the resultant fraction if possible. Subtracting fractions involves making the denominators (bottom number) same by finding the lowest common multiple of them and subtracting the numerators (top number) and finally simplifying the fraction if possible.

In this article, we will learn about, subtracting fractions, examples, and others in detail.