SSAT Middle Level Math : How to subtract fractions

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #8 : Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Solve the following: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When we subtract mixed numbers, we subtract whole numbers by whole numbers and fractions by fractions. 

Remember, when we are subtracting fractions we must have common denominators and we only subtract the numerators. 

Example Question #291 : Build Fractions From Unit Fractions

A baker used  of a pound of sprinkles and  of a pound of icing when decorating a cake. How much more icing than sprinkles did the baker use, in pounds?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The phrase, "how much more" tells as that we want to find the difference, so we subtract. 

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Example Question #1651 : Ssat Middle Level Quantitative (Math)

Shannon has painted  of the house and Dan has painted  of the house. How much more of the house has Shannon painted?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to solve this problem, we first need to make common denominators. 

Now that we have common denominators, we can subtract the fractions. Remember, when we subtract fractions, the denominator stays the same, we only subtract the numerator. 

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