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You need to find a common denominator for the two fractions, then you can subtract them. Most will find the lowest common denominator (LCD) which is the same as the lowest common multiple of the two denominators, but any common denominator will work. You can get a common denominator, by multiplying the two numbers together, for example, but it might not be the lowest.

Here's an example: 1/2 - 1/6 --> a common denominator is 2 x 6 = 12, but knowing how to find the lowest common denominator, you find LCD = 6.

Either one will work though. Take 12: we need to convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction that has 12 in the denominator. So for 1/2, we need to multiply 2 by a number to get 12 [12/2 = 6], so we multiply top and bottom by 6, and get 6/12.

For 1/6, multiply 6 by 2 is 12, and the top: 1 times 2 = 2 --> 2/12.

Now we have 6/12 - 2/12. The denominators are the same, so subtract the numerators: 6 - 2 = 4, so we have 4/12.

Now simplify: Factor out and see what common factors between 4 and 12 can be canceled. So 12 = 3 x 4, and we have (1 x 4) / (3 x 4) = 1/3, so 1/2 - 1/6 = 1/3.

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Q: How do you subtract fractions with different denominators and then put in simplest form?
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How do you minnous fractions?

Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.


What is the process of subtracting fractions?

If the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators. If the denominators are different, convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator and subtract the numerators.


When you subtract fractions do you subtract the denominator?

No. If the denominators are the same, you subtract the numerators. If the denominators are different you have to find the least common denominator.


Why are two fractions converted into like fractions?

Because you can't add or subtract fractions that have different denominators. Making them like fractions, by multiplying so the denominators are the same, you can add and/or subtract them.


How do you add and subtract by fractions?

If the fractions have the same denominator, add and subtract the numerators as if the denominators weren't there and put the result over that denominator. Reduce if possible. If the fractions have different denominators, find the LCM of the denominators and convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with like denominators. Then add and subtract the numerators as if the denominators weren't there and put the result over that denominator. Reduce if possible.

Related questions

How do you minnous fractions?

Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. If the fractions have the same denominator, you subtract the numerators. If the fractions have different denominators, you have to convert to a common denominator first.


What is the process of subtracting fractions?

If the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators. If the denominators are different, convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator and subtract the numerators.


When you subtract fractions do you subtract the denominator?

No. If the denominators are the same, you subtract the numerators. If the denominators are different you have to find the least common denominator.


Why are two fractions converted into like fractions?

Because you can't add or subtract fractions that have different denominators. Making them like fractions, by multiplying so the denominators are the same, you can add and/or subtract them.


How do you add and subtract by fractions?

If the fractions have the same denominator, add and subtract the numerators as if the denominators weren't there and put the result over that denominator. Reduce if possible. If the fractions have different denominators, find the LCM of the denominators and convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with like denominators. Then add and subtract the numerators as if the denominators weren't there and put the result over that denominator. Reduce if possible.


Why does the equivalent fraction make adding and subtracting fractions easier?

You cannot add or subtract fractions with different denominators. If the denominators are different then you need to work with equivalent fractions.


How do u subtract fractions?

multiply the fractions until they have common denominators and then subtract them


How do you subtract fractions without alike denominators?

Convert unlike fractions to equivalent fractions with common denominators by finding the LCM of the denominators.


Why would you want to rename fractions with the LCD?

Possible reasons: To add or subtract fractions, To compare fractions with different denominators.


Why can't you add or subtract fractions that have different denominators?

YOU JUST CANT....go on you try it


How do you subtract fractions with unequal denominators?

by finding the common denominator of the fractions


How do you subtract improper fractions with different denominators?

It's the same thing as adding or subtracting normal fractions - just make sure both fractions have the same denominators (by either multiplying the denominators or simplifying the fraction - whichever the question needs).