Subtract Fractions Calculator

Understanding Fraction Subtraction

Subtracting fractions with different denominators involves a few key steps. First, you need to find a common denominator, which is a common multiple of the denominators of the fractions. The least common multiple (LCM) is often the easiest to work with.

Once you have a common denominator, convert each fraction so that it has this new denominator. To do this, multiply both the numerator and the denominator of each fraction by the factor needed to get the common denominator.

After both fractions have the same denominator, you can subtract the numerators. The denominator of the result will be the common denominator you found. Finally, simplify the resulting fraction if possible by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

For example, to subtract 12 - 13, the LCM of 2 and 3 is 6. Convert the fractions: 12 = 36 and 13 = 26. Then subtract: 36 - 26 = 16.