First, change it so that the two fractions have the same denominator (by changing the fractions into equivalent fractions). Once the two fractions have the same denominator, it is simply a case of subtracting the numerators, leaving the denominator the same. Finally, reduce the fraction to its lowest terms (if possible).
Common denominator
If the fractions have different denominators, you need to: 1) Convert to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, 2) Compare the numerators. If the fractions already have the same denominator, there is no need for the first step - which happens to be the most difficult step. Note that as a shortcut, you don't need the LEAST common denominator, any denominator can do. Thus, you can just use the product of the two denominators as the common denominator. As a result, to compare the fractions, you simply multiply the numerator of each fraction by the denominator of the other one, and then compare. However, this is still more work than simply comparing two numbers.
Subtract as if there were no denominators.
There are an infinite number of correct answers.The two fractions areany number/any denominatorandthe same denominator minus the first number/the same denominator
A "common denominator"
First, change it so that the two fractions have the same denominator (by changing the fractions into equivalent fractions). Once the two fractions have the same denominator, it is simply a case of subtracting the numerators, leaving the denominator the same. Finally, reduce the fraction to its lowest terms (if possible).
That's a common denominator.
Common denominator
That's a "common" denominator. "Common" means "same for both" or "same for all".
If the fractions have different denominators, you need to: 1) Convert to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, 2) Compare the numerators. If the fractions already have the same denominator, there is no need for the first step - which happens to be the most difficult step. Note that as a shortcut, you don't need the LEAST common denominator, any denominator can do. Thus, you can just use the product of the two denominators as the common denominator. As a result, to compare the fractions, you simply multiply the numerator of each fraction by the denominator of the other one, and then compare. However, this is still more work than simply comparing two numbers.
That means that two or more fractions have the SAME denominator.
Subtract as if there were no denominators.
There are an infinite number of correct answers.The two fractions areany number/any denominatorandthe same denominator minus the first number/the same denominator
They have the same denominators.
They are in the same order, by size, as their numerators.
numerators you add, denominators you leave it the same