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Subtracting Fractions Calculator

Subtract one fraction from another, including mixed numbers. The bottoms are matched first, then the tops are taken away and the answer is simplified. Answers are allowed to go below zero, so subtracting a bigger fraction from a smaller one gives a proper negative rather than an error.

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Method, Step by Step

    Worked Example

    Work out 34 − 13.

    1. The bottoms differ, so find the lowest common denominator of 4 and 3: it is 12
    2. Rewrite both over 12:34 = 912 and 13 = 412
    3. Take the second top from the first:9 − 4 = 5, giving 512

    Answer: 512

    Try These Yourself

    Work out 56 − 16.Show answerHide answer

    Answer: 23

    Bottoms match: 46, which simplifies by 2.

    Work out 14 − 12.Show answerHide answer

    Answer: −14

    Over 4: 14 − 24, which goes below zero.

    Work out 2 12 − 34.Show answerHide answer

    Answer: 1 34

    52 = 104, then 104 − 34 = 74.