Here's how to subtract fractions:
1. Make sure the fractions have the same denominator (bottom number):
If the fractions already have the same denominator, you can skip this step.
If the denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator. This is the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators.
Here's how to find the common denominator:
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List out the multiples of each denominator until you find a number that appears in both lists.
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The smallest number that appears in both lists is the common denominator.
2. Once you have the common denominator, adjust the fractions to have it:
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Multiply the numerator and denominator of the first fraction by the number needed to get the second denominator as the common denominator.
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Do the same for the second fraction, multiplying by the number needed to get the first denominator as the common denominator.
3. Subtract the numerators (top numbers):
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Keep the common denominator the same.
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Subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction.
4. Simplify the answer (optional):
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Check if the numerator and denominator have a common divisor (a number that divides both the numerator and denominator without leaving a remainder).
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If they do, divide both the numerator and denominator by the greatest common divisor (GCD) to simplify the fraction.