# Subtracting fractions with like denominators

### Subtracting fractions with like denominators

In this section, we will subtract fractions with like denominators using subtraction statements. When subtracting fractions with like denominators, we subtract the numerators; however, the denominators stay the same. As shown in section on adding fractions with like denominators, we will write our answers in lowest terms by first finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of both the numerator and denominator and then dividing both the numerator and denominator by this GCF.

#### Lessons

In this lesson, we will learn:

• Subtracting Fractions With Small Numbers
• Word Problems: Subtracting Fractions
• Subtracting Fractions With Large Numbers
• Introduction
How to simplify fractions?
a)
Method A: Simplify by using greatest common factors

b)
Method B: Simplify by using common factors

• 1.
Subtracting Fractions With Small Numbers
Subtract. Then, simplify when possible.
a)
$\frac{6}{8}-\frac{7}{8}$

b)
$\frac{10}{11}-\frac{9}{11}$

c)
1 - $\frac{12}{24}$

• 2.
Word Problems: Subtracting Fractions
Marry is swimming 200m of freestyle at a competition. She still has $\frac{7}{10}$ of the race to go. If she swims $\frac{2}{10}$ more of the race, will she be halfway through? Show your work.

• 3.
Teresa and Maggie buy a bag of chips at the store. Teresa eats $\frac{2}{9}$ of the bag and Maggie eats $\frac{5}{9}$ of the bag. How much of the bag is left?