Subtracting Fractions with Common Denominators

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Example 1 Simple Fraction Subtraction

3		1		2
---	-	---	=	---
5		5		5

Subtracting fractions with a common denominator is simple. Just subtract the top numbers of the fractions and place that on top of a fraction using the existing denominator for the bottom number. Do not subtract the denominators! Then reduce the fraction if necessary.

Example 2 Simple Fraction Subtraction with Reducing

7		2		5
---	-	---	=	---
10		10		10

Then reduce your answer:

5	/	5		1
---		---	=	---
10	/	5		2

Therefore 5/10 reduces to 1/2.

5		1
---	=	---
10		2