ISEE Middle Level Math : How to subtract fractions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : How To Subtract Fractions

Subtract the following fractions:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Subtract the following fractions:

To solve this problem, we need to find a common denominator. 6 will work, because both 6 and 3 fit evenly into 6.

We need to change "two-thirds" into sixths. to do so, multiply the top and bottom of the term by 2. Then subtract by taking 5-4 and keeping the denominator.

So our answer becomes:

Example Question #42 : How To Subtract Fractions

Solve the following problem:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When subtracting fractions, we just worry about the numerators, when all of the denominators are the same, so we can subtract as usual, 

.

This gives us the answer 

,

which can then be reduced to 

.

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