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Add & subtract fractions word problems

Like & unlike denominators.

Below are our grade 5 math word problem worksheet on adding and subtracting fractions.  The problems include both like and unlike denominators , and may include more than two terms.

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• Subtracting Fractions Word Problems

Introduction to Subtracting Fractions

Subtraction of fractions is an arithmetic operation to find the difference between two fractions. To subtract two like fractions, we have to subtract their numerators and write the difference over the common denominator . To subtract two unlike fractions, we must first convert them into like fractions by taking the LCM of the denominators. We can also subtract a whole number and fraction by writing the whole number in fractional form, for example, $3 = \dfrac{3}{1}$. Let us learn more about subtracting fractions and fraction subtraction problems in detail in this article.

How to Subtract Fractions?

Fractions are referred to as a part of a whole. A group of fractions can be classified as like fractions and unlike fractions based on the denominator value . Like fractions are those that have the same denominator. For example, $\dfrac{3}{4}$ and $\dfrac{5}{4}$. While unlike fractions are those that have different denominators, for example, $\dfrac{2}{3}$ and $\dfrac{4}{7}$. We can find the difference between two like fractions, unlike fractions and fractions and whole numbers .

The steps for subtracting fractions are listed below:

Step 1: Identify whether the given fractions have the same denominator or different denominators.

Step 2: In the case of like fractions, subtract the numerators and write their difference over the common denominator. For example, $\dfrac{5}{7} - \dfrac{2}{7} = \dfrac{5 - 2}{7} = \dfrac{3}{7}$.

On the other hand, unlike fractions, find the LCM of the denominators.

Step 3: Multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction with a whole number to get the LCM in the denominator. It is done to convert unlike fractions to like fractions.

Step 4: Subtract their numerators and write the difference over the common denominator.

This is how we subtract two fractions.

Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators

Fractions with the same denominator can be easily subtracted. To subtract fractions with the same denominators, follow the given steps:

Subtract the numerator.

Write the common denominator as the denominator of the resulting fraction.

Now, reduce the result to the lowest fraction, if possible.

Example: $\dfrac{4}{5}-\dfrac{2}{5}=\dfrac{2}{5}$

Subtraction of Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Two fractions with different or unequal denominators can be subtracted by following these steps:

First, take the LCM of the denominators.

We convert the given fractions to like fractions with the denominator as the LCM.

Now, subtract the numerators and write their difference over the common denominator.

Simplify, if needed.

Subtracting Fractions with Whole Numbers

Just like you have subtracted two fractions, you can also subtract fractions from whole numbers and vice-versa. Any integer can be written in fractional form by writing 1 as the denominator. For example, 7 can be written as $\dfrac{7}{1}$. Therefore, to subtract fractions and whole numbers, write them in the fractional form first. Then you can easily find the difference using the same rules for subtracting two unequal fractions. Consider the following example of subtracting a fraction from an integer: $2 - \dfrac{1}{4}$

Convert the integer, 2 to fractional form, i.e. $\dfrac{2}{1}$

Now, to subtract $\dfrac{2}{1} - \dfrac{1}{4}$, the least common multiple of 1 and 4 is 4. Multiply the numerator and denominator of $\dfrac{2}{1}$ by 4 to get 4 in the denominator.

$\dfrac{2}{1} - \dfrac{1}{4}$

= $\dfrac{2 \times 4}{1 \times 4} - \dfrac{1}{4}$

= $\dfrac{8}{4} - \dfrac{1}{4}$

= $\dfrac{7}{4}$

Thus, the subtraction of an integer and fraction, $2 - \dfrac{1}{4} = \dfrac{7}{4}$.

Solved Word Problems on Fraction Subtraction

Q 1. Jack jumped $4 \dfrac{1}{7}$ m in the long jump competition. Shane jumped $3 \dfrac{2}{9}$ m. Who jumped longer, and how many meters?

Ans: Jack jumped $=4 \dfrac{1}{7} \mathrm{~m}=\dfrac{29}{7} \mathrm{~m}=\dfrac{261}{63} \mathrm{~m}$

Shane jumped $=3 \dfrac{2}{9} \mathrm{~m}=\dfrac{29}{9} \mathrm{~m}=\dfrac{203}{63} \mathrm{~m}$

Because $261>203$, Jack jumped more.

$\text { Difference }=\dfrac{261}{63} \mathrm{~m}-\dfrac{203}{63} \mathrm{~m}$

$=\dfrac{261-203}{63} \mathrm{~m}$

$=\dfrac{58}{63} \mathrm{~m}$

Therefore, Jack jumped $\dfrac{58}{63} \mathrm{~m}$ more than Shane.

Q 2. Mary gave $\dfrac{1}{8}$ part of her money to Shelly. What fraction of money is left with her?

Ans: Money given to Shelly $=\dfrac{1}{8}$

Remaining money $=1-\dfrac{1}{8}$

$=\dfrac{1}{1}-\dfrac{1}{8}$

$=\dfrac{8}{8}-\dfrac{1}{8}$

$=\dfrac{7}{8}$

Thus, the fraction of money left is $=\dfrac{7}{8}$.

Fraction Subtraction Problems for Practice

Q 1. Sharon spent $4 \dfrac{3}{7}$ hours studying maths and playing tennis. How long did she study if she played tennis for $2 \dfrac{1}{4}$ hours?

Ans: $\dfrac{61}{28}$

Q 2. Rex had some money. He spent $\dfrac{1}{6}$ of it on Monday, $\dfrac{3}{8}$ on Thursday, and $\dfrac{1}{4}$ on Wednesday. What part of the money is still left with him?

Ans: $\dfrac{5}{24}$.

Q 3. Ron used $3 \dfrac{1}{4}$ litres of paint from a tin of $5 \dfrac{1}{2}$, to colour the walls of his room. What fraction of paint is still left in the tin?

Ans: $\dfrac{9}{4}$ litres.

In this article, we have learned about fractions. Then we learned about the different rules of how to solve subtracting fractions word problems having like as well as unlike denominators with the help of an example. We became aware of solving, unlike denominators, by taking the help of LCM of the denominators, then multiplying with the numerator and calculating the difference. We also did numerous word problems on fraction subtraction. Kindly solve the given unsolved problems for practice.

FAQs on Subtracting Fractions Word Problems

1. What are the rules for adding fractions?

The basic rule of adding fractions is to first ensure whether the denominators are the same. If the denominators are different, first convert them to equal fractions by taking LCM and then solve the fractions by the usual addition.

2. How to add Improper Fractions?

Improper fractions are added in the same way as proper fractions. Some steps are given below:

If the fractions are the same, add the numerator keeping the same denominator.

To add different fractions, take the lowest common multiple of the denominators, convert them to equivalent fractions, and then add them as equal fractions.

When the addition is complete, and the answer is an improper fraction, convert the fraction to a mixed one and write it in its simplest form.

3. Why are addition and subtraction important?

Addition and subtraction play a very important role in our daily life activities, which involve counting, such as billing at the store, buying groceries, travelling, the speed of a vehicle, checking weight, and so on. It helps us understand situational-based problems. Hence, addition and subtraction are important in our life.

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Subtracting fractions word problems

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KS2 Subtracting Fractions Word Problems Worksheets

Ks2 subtracting fractions word problems.

Aimed at Years 3 to 6, Subtracting Fractions Word Problems is differentiated five ways to practise mathematical problem solving using subtracting fractions as its basis.

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What's included in the pack?

This pack includes:

• Subtracting Fractions Word Problems worksheets in five levels. Includes answers.

National Curriculum Objectives

Mathematics Year 3: (3F4) Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator within one whole [for example, 5/7 + 1/7 = 6/7]

Mathematics Year 4: (4F4) Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator

Mathematics Year 5: (5F4) Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator and denominators that are multiples of the same number

Mathematics Year 5: (5F2a) Recognise mixed numbers and improper fractions and convert from one form to the other and write mathematical statements > 1 as a mixed number [for example, 2/5 + 4/5 = 6/5 = 1 1/5 ]

Mathematics Year 6:(6F4) Add and subtract fractions with different denominators and mixed numbers, using the concept of equivalent fractions

Mathematics Year 6: ​(6F2) Use common factors to simplify fractions; use common multiples to express fractions in the same denomination

Differentiation:

Beginner Subtracting fractions with the same denominator and different numerators within one whole. Aimed at Year 3 Secure/Year 4 Emerging.

Easy Subtracting improper fractions with the same denominators and different numerators, that goes beyond one whole. Answers can be given as improper fractions. Aimed at Year 4 Secure/Year 5 Emerging​.

Tricky Subtracting fractions with denominators that are double and half of each other. Aimed at Year 4 Mastery/Year 5 Developing​.

Expert Subtracting fractions and improper fractions with denominators that are multiple of the same number. Answers should be given as a proper fraction/mixed numbers. Aimed at Year 5 Secure/Year 6 Emerging​.

Brainbox Subtracting fractions with different denominators and mixed numbers. Answers should be simplified when possible. Aimed at Year 5 Mastery/Year 6 Secure​.​

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Subtracting Fractions Word Problems Worksheets

Thumb through our printable subtracting fractions word problems worksheets and discover a treasure of fun, realistic scenarios. Our pdf prepping tools, with included answer keys, are well-chosen for grade 3 through grade 6 students. Task young learners with reading, understanding, and solving an array of fraction subtraction word problems. Deftly find the difference between two like fractions, two unlike fractions, mixed numbers, and more. Go after our free subtracting fractions word problems worksheet!

Subtracting Fractions with Whole Numbers Word Problems

Perk up your math sessions with this section of our subtracting fractions word problems worksheets. Have kids determining the difference between fractions and whole numbers in real life with nuance and flair!

Subtracting Like Fractions Word Problems

Pride yourself on your subtraction on fractions skills! The interactive scenarios in our pdf word problems worksheets for 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade make subtracting like fractions a rewarding affair!

Subtracting Unlike Fractions Word Problems

Enhance problem-solving skills with these fraction subtraction word problems worksheets. Young learners read and solve word problems involving fractions with different denominators with accuracy.

Subtracting Mixed Numbers Word Problems | Like Denominators

Do nothing by halves! Get kids going all out to subtract mixed numbers having same denominators! The key to solving these problems is finding the difference between the whole number parts and fractions separately.

Subtracting Mixed Numbers Word Problems | Unlike Denominators

Add bells and whistles to your fraction subtraction practice with our printables. Grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6 kids find the LCM of different denominators and obtain the difference between two mixed numbers.

Related Worksheets

» Subtracting Like Fractions

» Subtracting Unlike Fractions

» Subtracting Mixed Numbers

» Subtracting Fractions from Whole Numbers

» Fraction Word Problems

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