2.7 KiB
2.7 KiB
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Example of Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators |
Example of Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators
Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators is similar to addition of fractions with unlike denominators. Here are the steps,
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Convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominator
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To convert two fractions to common denominator, multiply the numerator and denominator of a fraction with the denominator of the other fraction.
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Now that the fractions have common denominators, subtract the numerators of both fractions and put the resultant over the denominator
Consider, a⁄b and c⁄d are fractions with different denominators, you can subtract these fractions in a single step like below,
a⁄b - c⁄d = (a * d) - (b * c)⁄(b * d)
Example
Consider fractions 5⁄6 and 5⁄15
- The denominators are different. So you need to make the denominators common
- Before that, if possible, simplify the fractions. In this case, 5⁄15 can be simplified as 1⁄3. Here 5⁄15 and 1⁄3 are called equivalent fractions.
- After simplification, the fractions are 5⁄6 and 1⁄3.
- Now to subtract these fractions, you must make the denominators common
- Multiply the numerator and denominator of a fraction with denominator of the other
- For fraction 5⁄6 , the denominator of the other fraction is 3. For fraction 1⁄3 , the denominator of the other fraction is 6
((5 * 3) - (1 * 6))⁄(6 * 3) = 9⁄18
- The resultant fraction is 9⁄18. This can be further simplified as 1⁄2
5⁄6 - 5⁄15 = 1⁄2