Subtract Fractions & Decimals Quick Check
1) To subtract fractions:
- Find a common denominator for the fractions.
- Convert both fractions to have the same denominator.
- Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
- Simplify the resulting fraction if necessary.
Example:
1/3 - 1/4
To find a common denominator, we can use the least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 4, which is 12.
1/3 = 4/12 (multiplying numerator and denominator by 4)
1/4 = 3/12 (multiplying numerator and denominator by 3)
Now we can subtract the fractions:
4/12 - 3/12 = (4 - 3)/12 = 1/12
2) To subtract decimals:
- Write the decimals as whole numbers by moving the decimal point to the right until there are no more decimal places.
- Subtract the whole numbers.
- Move the decimal point back to the original position.
Example:
2.5 - 1.3
Moving the decimal point to the right, we get:
2.5 = 25
1.3 = 13
Now we can subtract the whole numbers:
25 - 13 = 12
Finally, we move the decimal point back:
12 = 1.2
To subtract fractions and decimals, follow these steps:
For Fractions:
Step 1: Make sure the fractions have the same denominator. If they don't, find a common denominator by multiplying the denominators together.
Step 2: Once the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators and write the result over the common denominator.
Step 3: Simplify the fraction if necessary by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor.
For Decimals:
Step 1: Align the decimal points of the numbers you want to subtract.
Step 2: Subtract the numbers as you normally would, considering the place value of each digit.
Step 3: If needed, add zeros to the end of the decimal to align the place values.
Step 4: Simplify the decimal if necessary by removing any trailing zeros.
Remember to double-check your subtraction to ensure accuracy.