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if they have the same denominator just subtract it . if it doesn't than find the denominator.

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Q: How do you subtract fractions when the first numerator is smaller than the other numerator?
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Why are equivalent fractions important when adding and subtracting fractions?

Because to add or subtract two fractions you first have to find equivalent fractions for both which have the same denominator.


How do you find equivalent fractions with lcd?

For the first fraction, divide the give denominator into the LCD, take that result and multiply by the given numerator to create a new numerator for the LCD. Repeat for each fraction.


How do you change a fraction so they have the same denominator?

First, find a common denominator for the two (or more) fractions. Then, for each fraction, multiply numerator and denominator by the same number (different numbers for different fractions, though), to convert to the common denominator.


Mixed numbers combine fractions and percents?

True


Why must denominators be the same when adding or subtracting fractions?

You have to have like forms to add them or subtract one from the other if the answer is to be a single form quantity. You cannot subtract 2 oranges from a dozen apples. You first would have to convert the apples to mush, then subtract the equivalent of 2 oranges worth of mush, and then see how much mush you have left. If you added 2 oranges to a dozen apples, you would first convert both to a common form, mush, then add the apple mush and the orange mush to see how much fruit mush you have. Similarly, with fractions, you have to convert them to a common form, referred to as their common denominator, then you can add or subtract to find the result in their common form. If you do not convert the fractions to a common form, or denominator, the resulting answer will look like the original question and not be an answer at all.

Related questions

How do you subtract fractions when the in the second fraction is bigger than the numerator in the first?

You just go ahead. You will end up with a negative answer.


How do you add fractions with different denomanaters?

You convert to a common denominator first. Then you add or subtract the numerator and write it in simplest form


Why do you compare fractions?

To compare any two fractions they first need to be converted to numbers on a similar basis: Convert both to decimals: the smaller decimal is the smaller fraction. Find equivalent fractions with the same denominator: the fraction with the smaller numerator is the smaller number. Find equivalent fractions with the same numerator: the fraction with the larger denominator is the smaller number. I recommend that the last of these is used for integral reciprocals (comparing 1/2, 1/4, 1/7 etc) or by more proficient users.


How do you subtract a bigger numerator from a smaller numerator?

Subtract the other way, then add a minus sign. For example, to subtract 6 - 8, you subtract 8 - 6, get the answer 2, then add a minus sign to get -2. Don't forget to subtract numerators you need a common denominator first. For example 1/4 - 3/8 = 2/8 - 38 = -1/8


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.


How do you subtract improper fractions?

first, subtract the numerators of the given and just copy the denomnator.


What are the steps to subtract unlike fractions?

first find a common denominator then subtract the top numbers


How do you subtract fractions when the numerator in the second fraction is bigger than than numerator in the first?

If the fractions have the same denominator, come up with an answer (it should benegative) (ex. 4/5-8/5=[-4/5]). If not, make the fractions of equivalent denominators and then do as i have shown above (like so; 2/3-73/21=14/21-73/21=[59/21]=[-2 17/21])


What do you do when you're going to subtract fractions but the numerator is the same?

its the same as working with integers. + and a + = + -and a - = + + and a - = - - and a + = - eg. 4/4 - - 3/4= 4/4 + 3/4= 1 3/4 1/2+ - 3/10 = 2/10= 1/5


How do you subtract two fractions with unlike denominators?

Make them into equivalent fractions with the same denominator, then the numerators can be subtracted and the resultant fraction simplified (if possible).The first choice is the denominator for the equivalent fractions. Ideally this should be the lowest common multiple (LCM) of the given denominators, but just multiplying the two given denominators together will do.The fractions can then be made into equivalent fractions with this chosen denominator.If finding the LCM is too difficult, a simple "butterfly" (or "cross multiply") method can be used:multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction as the numerator of the equivalent first fraction;multiply the denominator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction as the numerator of the equivalent second fraction;multiply the denominators together as the denominator of both of the equivalent fractions;subtract the new numerators, keeping the new denominator;simplify the result if possible.eg 3/5 - 1/2 = 3x2/5x2 - 5x1/5x2= 6/10 - 5/10= 1/10eg 5/6 - 1/2 = 5x2/6x2 - 6x1/6x2= 10/12 - 6/12= 4/12= 1x4/3x4= 1/3The same method is used for addition of fractions with different denominators: add instead of subtract the numerators of the equivalent fractions.


How do you subtract fractions butterfly method?

For the denominator, multiply the denominators together. For the numerator, subtract the second numerator multiplied by the first denominator from the first numerator multiplied by the second denominator: a/b - p/q = (a x q - b x p)/b x q eg: 6/7 - 3/4 = (6 x 4 - 7 x 3)/7 x 4 = (24 - 21)/28 = 3/28


Why are equivalent fractions important when adding and subtracting fractions?

Because to add or subtract two fractions you first have to find equivalent fractions for both which have the same denominator.