Practice Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators in Math

Use these practice problems to test your method after reviewing the concept explanation and worked examples.

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Quick Recap

Subtracting fractions with different denominators by first rewriting them with a common denominator, then subtracting numerators.

To find 34−13\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{3}, convert to twelfths: 912−412=512\frac{9}{12} - \frac{4}{12} = \frac{5}{12}. Same idea as addition, just subtract.

Showing a random 20 of 50 problems.

Example 1

easy
Subtract 512−14\frac{5}{12} - \frac{1}{4}.

Example 2

challenge
If a6−18=524\frac{a}{6} - \frac{1}{8} = \frac{5}{24}, find the whole number aa.

Example 3

easy
Subtract 35−110\frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{10}.

Example 4

medium
Subtract 23−29\frac{2}{3} - \frac{2}{9}.

Example 5

easy
Subtract 34−12\frac{3}{4}-\frac{1}{2}.

Example 6

challenge
Order from largest to smallest the differences 12−13\frac{1}{2}-\frac{1}{3}, 13−14\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{4}, 14−15\frac{1}{4}-\frac{1}{5}.

Example 7

medium
Subtract 914−27\frac{9}{14} - \frac{2}{7}.

Example 8

medium
A runner completed 78\frac{7}{8} of a race, then stopped. If the race is 11 km long, what fraction of the race is left? If another runner has already finished 25\frac{2}{5} of the remaining distance, how much of the total race has that runner covered?

Example 9

medium
1112−?6=14\frac{11}{12} - \frac{?}{6} = \frac{1}{4}. Find the missing numerator.

Example 10

easy
Subtract 78−14\frac{7}{8} - \frac{1}{4}.

Example 11

easy
Subtract 12−13\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{3}.

Example 12

medium
Subtract 1112−34\frac{11}{12}-\frac{3}{4} and simplify.

Example 13

medium
A board is 78\frac{7}{8} m. You cut off 13\frac{1}{3} m. How much remains?

Example 14

easy
Subtract 34−18\frac{3}{4}-\frac{1}{8}.

Example 15

medium
Subtract 56−29\frac{5}{6} - \frac{2}{9}.

Example 16

challenge
Compute 12−13+14−15\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{5}.

Example 17

medium
Subtract 56−14\frac{5}{6}-\frac{1}{4}.

Example 18

medium
Subtract 1−23−141 - \frac{2}{3} - \frac{1}{4}.

Example 19

easy
Compute 58−12\frac{5}{8} - \frac{1}{2}.

Example 20

medium
Subtract 214−232\frac{1}{4}-\frac{2}{3}.
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