How to Subtract 2 or More Fractions

Learn how to perform solving steps for: subtracting 2 or more fractions, subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, subtraction of fractions with answers and examples, how to subtract 3 fractions with same or different denominators, subtracting fractions with whole numbers or mixed Numbers.

Subtracting Fractions

Overall Steps to Subtract Fractions:

1. Find a Common Denominator: Identify the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
2. Convert Fractions: Express each fraction with the common denominator found in step 1.
3. Subtract Numerators: Subtract the numerators of the fractions.
4. Simplify (if necessary): Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible, by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it.

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Subtract 2 Fractions Calculator

2,3,4...Fractions Calculator

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Addressing Special Cases:

• When the Denominators are Already the Same: Simply subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
• When One Fraction is a Whole Number: Convert the whole number into a fraction with the same denominator as the other fractions before subtracting.
• When Fractions are Mixed Numbers: Convert mixed numbers into improper fractions before subtracting.

Example 1: Subtracting 2 Fractions

Subtract Given Fractions: 3/4 - 1/4

Step 1: Denominators are already the same

Step 2: Subtract numerators: 3/4 - 1/4 = 2/4

Step 3: Simplify if necessary → 2/4 = 1/2

Example 2: Subtracting 3 Fractions

Subtract Given Fractions: 2/3 - 1/6 - 1/4

Step 1: Find LCM of 3, 6, and 4 → LCM(3, 6, 4) = 12

Step 2: Convert fractions: 2/3 becomes 8/12, 1/6 becomes 2/12, 1/4 becomes 3/12

Step 3: Subtract numerators: 8/12 - 2/12 - 3/12 = 3/12

Step 4: Simplify if necessary → 3/12 = 1/4

Example 3: Subtracting a Whole Number and a Fraction

Subtract Given Fractions: 5 - 2/3

Step 1: Convert whole number to fraction with the same denominator as the fraction: 5 = 15/3

Step 2: Subtract numerators: 15/3 - 2/3 = 13/3

Example 4: Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Subtract Given Fractions: 3 1/2 - 1 3/4

Step 1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions: 3 1/2 = 7/2, 1 3/4 = 7/4

Step 2: Find a common denominator → LCM(2, 4) = 4

Step 3: Convert fractions: 7/2 becomes 14/4, 7/4 remains 7/4

Step 4: Subtract numerators: 14/4 - 7/4 = 7/4