Common Mistakes While Subtracting Fractions

Some common mistakes while subtracting fractions are as follows:

  • Error in Finding LCM of Denominators: Calculating LCM for two or more numbers seems easy but sometimes you can find errors in the calculation when there are more than two numbers. So, calculate LCM carefully. Also, calculate LCM very first as either you need to add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators requires the denominators to be the same. 
  • Not Simplifying Answer: Most textbooks follow the answer in the standard form and the standard form for the fractional answer is always simplified. Thus always simplify your answer at last.
  • Simplifying too Soon: When subtracting fractions, it is important to simplify the resulting fraction only after you have subtracted the numerators and found a common denominator. Simplifying too soon can lead to inconvenience and incorrect answers.

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Subtracting Fractions

To subtract fractions, first check and find the common denominator, then subtract the numerators and simply the resultant fraction if possible. Subtracting fractions involves making the denominators (bottom number) same by finding the lowest common multiple of them and subtracting the numerators (top number) and finally simplifying the fraction if possible.

In this article, we will learn about, subtracting fractions, examples, and others in detail.

Table of Content

  • How to Subtract Fractions?
  • Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators
  • Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators
  • Subtracting Fractions With Whole Numbers
  • Mistakes While Subtracting Fractions

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