Grade 3 Fractions: Subtracting Fractions

Worked examples

Real problems from the practice worksheets, solved one step at a time.

1. Example 1

   3/4 − 2/4 = ?

   1. The denominators are the same (4), so the pieces are the same size.
   2. Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator: 3 − 2 = 1, so the difference is 1/4.
   3. So 3/4 − 2/4 = 1/4.

   Answer: 1/4

2. Example 2

   8/8 − 7/8 = ?

   1. The denominators are the same (8), so the pieces are the same size.
   2. Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator: 8 − 7 = 1, so the difference is 1/8.
   3. So 8/8 − 7/8 = 1/8.

   Answer: 1/8

3. Example 3

   6/6 − 2/6 = ?

   1. The denominators are the same (6), so the pieces are the same size.
   2. Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator: 6 − 2 = 4, so the difference is 4/6.
   3. The greatest number that divides both 4 and 6 is 2.
   4. Divide the top and bottom by 2: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 and 6 ÷ 2 = 3, so 4/6 = 2/3.
   5. So 6/6 − 2/6 = 2/3.

   Answer: 2/3