Subtraction of Unlike Fractions

We will learn how to solve subtraction of unlike fractions.

In order to subtract unlike fractions first we convert them as like fractions.

Let us consider some of the examples of subtracting unlike fractions:

1. Subtract 1/10 from 2/5.

Solution:

2/5 - 1/10

The L.C.M. of the denominators 10 and 5 is 10.

2/5 = (2 × 2)/(5 × 2) = 4/10, (because 10 ÷ 5 = 2)

1/10 = (1 × 1)/(10 × 1) = 1/10, (because 10 ÷ 10 = 1)

Thus, 2/5 - 1/10

= 4/10 - 1/10

= (4 - 1)/10

= 3/10

2. Subtract 4/9 from 5/7.

Solution:

5/7 - 4/9

The L.C.M. of the denominators 9 and 7 is 63.

5/7 = (5 × 9)/(7 × 9) = 45/63, (because 63 ÷ 7 = 9)

4/9 = (4 × 7)/(9 × 7) = 28/63, (because 63 ÷ 9 = 7)

Thus, 5/7 - 4/9

= 45/63 - 28/63

= (45 - 28)/63

= 17/63

3. Subtract 5/8 from 1.

Solution:

1 - 5/8

= 1/1 - 5/8

The L.C.M. of the denominators 1 and 8 is 8.

1/1 = (1 × 8)/(1 × 8) = 8/8, (because 8 ÷ 1 = 8)

5/8 = (5 × 1)/(8 × 1) = 5/8, (because 8 ÷ 8 = 1)

Thus, 1/1 - 5/8

= 8/8 - 5/8

= (8 - 5)/8

= 3/8

 

4. Subtract 19/36 from 23/24.

Solution:

23/24 - 19/36

The L.C.M. of the denominators 24 and 36 is 72.

23/24 = (23 × 3)/(24 × 3) = 69/72, (because 72 ÷ 24 = 3)

19/36 = (19 × 2)/(36 × 2) = 38/72, (because 72 ÷ 36 = 2)

Thus, 23/24 - 19/36

= 69/72 - 38/72

= (69 - 38)/72

= 31/72

5. Subtract 9/35 from 3/7.

Solution:

3/7 - 9/35

The L.C.M. of the denominators 7 and 35 is 35.

3/7 = (3 × 5)/(7 × 5) = 15/35, (because 35 ÷ 7 = 5)

9/35 = (9 × 1)/(35 × 1) = 9/35, (because 35 ÷ 35 = 1)

Thus, 3/7 - 9/35

= 15/35 - 9/35

= (15 - 9)/35

= 6/35 

Related Concept

● Fraction of a Whole Numbers

● Representation of a Fraction

● Equivalent Fractions

● Properties of Equivalent Fractions

● Like and Unlike Fractions

● Comparison of Like Fractions

● Comparison of Fractions having the same Numerator

● Types of Fractions

● Changing Fractions

● Conversion of Fractions into Fractions having Same Denominator

● Conversion of a Fraction into its Smallest and Simplest Form

● Addition of Fractions having the Same Denominator

● Subtraction of Fractions having the Same Denominator

● Addition and Subtraction of Fractions on the Fraction Number Line

4th Grade Math Activities

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