Grade 4
  1. Numbers and Place Value  1.1. Understanding Place Value  1.2. Reading and Writing Large Numbers  1.3. Comparing and Ordering Numbers  1.4. Rounding Numbers  1.5. Understanding Odd and Even Numbers  1.6. Number Patterns and Sequences
  2. Addition and Subtraction  2.1. Addition of Large Numbers  2.2. Subtraction of Large Numbers  2.3. Estimation in Addition and Subtraction  2.4. Word Problems on Addition and Subtraction
  3. Multiplication and Division  3.1. Understanding Multiplication  3.2. Multiplying Multi-Digit Numbers  3.3. Understanding Division  3.4. Dividing Multi-Digit Numbers  3.5. Multiplication and Division Facts  3.6. Word Problems on Multiplication and Division
  4. Factors and Multiples  4.1. Understanding Factors  4.2. Finding Common Factors  4.3. Understanding Multiples  4.4. Finding Common Multiples  4.5. Prime and Composite Numbers  4.6. Prime Factorization  4.7. Greatest Common Factor  4.8. Least Common Multiple
  5. Fractions  5.1. Understanding Fractions  5.2. Equivalent Fractions  5.3. Simplifying Fractions  5.4. Comparing and Ordering Fractions  5.5. Addition of Fractions  5.6. Subtraction of Fractions  5.7. Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions  5.8. Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions  5.9. Word Problems on Fractions
  6. Decimals  6.1. Understanding Decimals  6.2. Reading and Writing Decimals  6.3. Comparing and Ordering Decimals  6.4. Rounding Decimals  6.5. Addition of Decimals  6.6. Subtraction of Decimals  6.7. Converting Decimals to Fractions  6.8. Converting Fractions to Decimals  6.9. Word Problems on Decimals
  7. Measurement  7.1. Length  7.1.1. Units of Length  7.1.2. Converting Units of Length  7.1.3. Perimeter  7.1.4. Area  7.1.5. Word Problems on Length  7.2. Weight  7.2.1. Units of Weight  7.2.2. Converting Units of Weight  7.2.3. Word Problems on Weight  7.3. Volume and Capacity  7.3.1. Units of Volume  7.3.2. Converting Units of Volume  7.3.3. Estimating Volume and Capacity  7.3.4. Word Problems on Volume and Capacity  7.4. Time  7.4.1. Reading Time  7.4.2. Units of Time  7.4.3. Converting Units of Time  7.4.4. Calculating Elapsed Time  7.4.5. Word Problems on Time
  8. Geometry  8.1. Properties of Shapes  8.1.1. Types of Angles  8.1.2. Types of Triangles  8.1.4. Symmetry  8.1.5. Lines of Symmetry  8.2. Perimeter and Area  8.2.1. Perimeter of Rectangles  8.2.2. Perimeter of Other Shapes  8.2.3. Area of Rectangles  8.2.4. Area of Other Shapes  8.2.5. Area of Irregular Shapes  8.3. Coordinate Geometry  8.3.1. Understanding Coordinates  8.3.2. Plotting Points on a Grid  8.3.3. Identifying Shapes on a Grid
  9. Data and Graphs  9.1. Types of Data  9.2. Organizing Data  9.3. Reading Bar Graphs  9.4. Drawing Bar Graphs  9.5. Line Plots  9.7. Reading and Interpreting Line Graphs  9.8. Word Problems on Graphs
  10. Money  10.1. Understanding Money  10.2. Addition and Subtraction with Money  10.3. Making Change  10.4. Multiplying and Dividing Money  10.5. Word Problems on Money

Grade 4 → Fractions ↓


Subtraction of Fractions


When we learn about fractions, we understand that we can also make parts of a whole. Fractions are helpful in many real-world situations, such as cutting a pizza into slices or measuring ingredients. Just like addition, subtraction is also important when working with fractions. Here's how we can understand subtraction of fractions.

Understanding fractions

Before we dive into subtraction, let's remember what fractions are. A fraction consists of two numbers. The number on top is called the numerator, and the number on the bottom is called the denominator:

meter
,
Divisor

For example, in the fraction 3/4, '3' is the numerator, and '4' is the denominator. The numerator tells us how many parts we have, and the denominator tells us how many equal parts combine to make a whole.

Subtraction of like fractions

Like fractions are fractions that have the same denominator. Subtracting them is very easy. Let's see how:

Steps to subtract like fractions

  1. Make sure the denominators are the same.
  2. Subtract the fractions.
  3. Write the result at the common denominator.

Here's a simple example:

5/8 - 3/8 = (5 - 3)/8 = 2/8

We can also simplify this fraction:

2/8 = 1/4
5/8 3/8

Subtraction of unlike fractions

Fractions have different denominators. Subtracting them involves a few more steps, but it's not difficult once you know how to do it.

Steps to subtract unlike fractions

  1. Find the least common multiple (LCD).
  2. Convert each fraction into an equivalent fraction using the LCD.
  3. Subtract the fractions.
  4. Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible.

Let's subtract 2/3 from 5/4:

5/4 - 2/3

Step 1: Find the LCD of 4 and 3, which is 12.

Step 2: Convert each fraction.

5/4 = (5 * 3)/(4 * 3) = 15/12
2/3 = (2 * 4)/(3 * 4) = 8/12

Step 3: Subtract the numerators.

15/12 – 8/12 = (15 – 8)/12 = 7/12
5/4 3 parts of 12 2/3 as 8 parts of 12

Fraction strips example

It can be helpful to use fraction bars to visualize fraction subtraction. Here's a quick example:

5/8 3/8

As you can see, when we subtract 3/8 from 5/8, we are left with 2/8, which can be simplified to 1/4.

Practice exercises

Try subtracting these fractions yourself:

  1. 7/10 - 2/10
  2. 11/15 - 4/15
  3. 5/7 - 3/7
  4. 8/9 - 5/18

Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions

Sometimes, we get mixed numbers that contain both a whole number and a fraction, such as 3 1/4. To subtract these, first convert them to improper fractions.

Steps to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

  1. Multiply the whole number by the denominator.
  2. Add the result to the numerator.
  3. Use this sum as the new numerator over the original denominator.

Convert 3 1/4:

3 1/4 = (3 * 4 + 1)/4 = 13/4

Now you can reduce these fractions like improper fractions.

Example of mixed numbers

Subtract 2 2/3 from 4 1/2:

Step 1: Convert into improper fractions.

4 1/2 = (4 * 2 + 1)/2 = 9/2
2 2/3 = (2 * 3 + 2)/3 = 8/3

Step 2: Find the LCD, which is 6.

Step 3: Convert the fractions.

9/2 = (9 * 3)/(2 * 3) = 27/6
8/3 = (8 * 2)/(3 * 2) = 16/6

Step 4: Subtract.

27/6 – 16/6 = (27 – 16)/6 = 11/6 = 1 5/6

Simplification of reduced fractions

After subtraction, always simplify the fraction to its simplest form by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

For example, after subtraction, you get 6/10. The GCD of 6 and 10 is 2.

6/10 = (6 ÷ 2)/(10 ÷ 2) = 3/5

Real life applications of subtracting fractions

Understanding fraction subtraction is helpful in real-life scenarios. Let's say you have 3/4 of a chocolate bar and you eat 1/4 of it. To find out how much is left:

3/4 – 1/4 = (3 – 1)/4 = 2/4 = 1/2

Another situation might involve measuring ingredients. Let's say you need 5/6 cup of water but accidentally added 3/6 cup of water. You would need:

5/6 – 3/6 = (5 – 3)/6 = 2/6 = 1/3

Practice problems

Here are some additional problems for practice:

  1. 5 3/8 - 2 1/8
  2. 7/12 - 5/8
  3. 4 5/6 - 2 1/3
  4. 3/5 - 1/10

Key points to remember

  • Always make sure the denominators of the fractions are the same before subtracting.
  • Present your final answer in the simplest form possible.
  • Convert mixed numbers into improper fractions to make subtraction easier.

Subtracting fractions can seem challenging at first, but taking it step-by-step makes it easy and even fun. Use these guidelines and examples to practice and improve your skills in subtracting fractions.


Grade 4 → 5.6


U
username
0%
completed in Grade 4

← Prev (5.5)
Addition of Fractions
Next (5.7) →
Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

Comments 



Subtraction of Fractions

https://www.buddymath.com/g4/5.6?bmal=en