Breaking it Down: A Guide to Subtracting Fractions

Subtracting fractions at the grade 5 level involves three methods:

1. Subtracting fractions with the same denominator.
2. Subtracting fractions with different denominators.
3. Subtracting mixed numbers.

Subtracting fractions with the same denominator

This is the easiest case. You just subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same.

For example:

Subtracting fractions with different denominators

Here, you need to find a common denominator before subtracting.

Steps:

• Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD).
• Convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with the LCD.
• Subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same.
• Simplify if needed.

For example:

The LCD of 4 and 6 is 12.

Convert both fractions:

Subtract the fractions:

Subtracting mixed numbers

When subtracting mixed numbers, you:

• Convert them to improper fractions first, then subtract.
• Use borrowing if necessary.

For example:

Convert to improper fractions:

Find the LCD (4):

Convert back to a mixed number:

Subtracting fractions worksheets

In our grade 5 math section, we have several sets of worksheets for students to practice subtracting fractions.

Subtract like fractions practice

This first set of worksheets has students practice subtracting fractions with like denominators.

Subtract a fraction from a whole number

Next, students subtract fractions from whole numbers.

Subtract mixed numbers with the same denominator

These worksheets have students work on subtracting fractions from mixed numbers.

Subtracting mixed numbers

These worksheets cover subtracting mixed numbers where all the fractions have like denominators.

Subtract mixed numbers with missing number

In these mixed numbers worksheets, students work out the missing number in subtracting mixed numbers.

Subtract unlike fractions worksheets

Moving onto unlike fractions, students subtract fractions with denominators between 2 and 12.

Practice subtracting unlike fractions (harder)

These harder worksheets continue subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.

Subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators

This final set of worksheets have students subtracting mixed numbers with unlike fractions.