To subtract fractions with like denominators, subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator the same, then simplify the result if possible. For example, 5/8 minus 2/8 equals 3/8. Learn the steps and see worked examples, including when to reduce the answer.
Subtracting fractions with like denominators
When two fractions have the same (like) denominator, subtracting them is simple: subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. The denominator tells you the size of the pieces, and since both fractions use the same size pieces, only the count changes. If you are still getting comfortable with fractions, review what fractions are first.
5/8 − 2/8 = 3/8: subtract the numerators, keep the denominator.
The steps
To work out a difference such as 5/8 − 2/8: subtract the numerators (5 − 2 = 3), keep the denominator (8), which gives 3/8. Then simplify the result if you can. For 6/8 − 2/8 = 4/8, both numbers share a factor of 4, so 4/8 reduces to 1/2.
This shortcut only works when the denominators match. If they are different, you first rewrite the fractions with a common denominator — see subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.