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Subtracting Mixed Fractions

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

Subtracting Mixed Fractions is finding the difference between two mixed fractions. These mixed fractions are improper fractions that are expressed as a sum of whole numbers and a proper fraction.
Suppose 5(2/6) - 3(1/6) to subtract these mixed fractions firstly, we have to convert them into improper fractions that will be 10/6 and 3/6. Now, we subtract 3/6 from 10/6, which gives 7/6; in the mixed fraction, that will be 1(1/6).

What are Mixed Fractions?

Mixed fractions, also known as mixed numbers, are a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction. They are written in the form or a(b/c), where a is the whole number part, b is the numerator of the fraction part, and c is the denominator of the fraction part.

fraction, in the mixed fraction, 3 is the whole number part, 1 is the numerator of the fraction part, and 2 is the denominator of the fraction part. Together, they represent the value, which is equal to 3 + 1/2 or 7/2.

Mixed fractions are often used to represent quantities that fall between two whole numbers. They are commonly encountered in everyday measurements, such as lengths, volumes, and quantities of objects.

Operations on Mixed Fractions

Four common operations can be applied to any type of fraction, including mixed fractions i.e.,

In this article, we will discuss the subtraction of mixed fractions in detail.

How to Subtract Mixed Fractions?

To subtract a pair of mixed fractions, we first need to converted them into improper fractions, then subtract by finding a common denominator, subtracting the numerators while keeping the denominator common, and simplifying the resulting fraction if possible.

There can be two possible cases for mixed fraction under subtraction i.e., mixed fraction with

  • Like Denominators: Pair of mixed fraction with same denominator
  • Unlike Denominators: Pair of mixed fraction with different denominator

Let's discuss both case in detail as follows.

Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Like Denominators

To subtract mixed fractions with like denominators, we need to follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions if they're not already in that form.
  • Subtract the numerators while keeping the common denominator.
  • Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.

Let's consider example of subtraction of a pair of mixed fraction with like denominators i.e., 11(12/16) and 5 (8/16).

Step 1: Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions:

Step 2: Subtract the numerators while keeping the common denominator:

Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction:

Since the numerator is negative, we can represent it as a

Which can be simplified to -.

Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators

When subtracting mixed fractions with unlike denominators, follow these steps:

  • Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions if they're not already in that form.
  • Find a common denominator for the fractions.
  • Perform the subtraction by subtracting the numerators while keeping the common denominator.
  • Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.

Let's consider example of subtraction of a pair of mixed fraction with like denominators i.e., 7(6/9) and 3(2/5).

Step 1: Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions:

Step 2: Find a common denominator:

The least common multiple (LCM) of 9 and 5 is 45.

Step 3: Perform the subtraction:

Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction:

We can simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 3.


So, .

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Fractions

Types of Fractions

Equivalent Fractions

Comparing Fractions

Addition of Fractions

Subtracting Fractions

Subtracting Mixed Fractions Examples

Example 1: Subtract 3(1/4) from 5(2/4).
Solution:

5(2/4) - 3(1/4)
= 5 - 3 + (2/4 - 1/4 )
= 2 + ( 2-1 /4)
= 2 + (1/4)
= 2 (1/4)

Example 2: Subtract 3(2/5) from 9(7/10).
Solution:

9(7/10) - 3(2/5)
= (9 - 3) + ( 7/10 - 2/5)
= 6 + ( 7/10 - 2 * 2/5* 2)
= 6 + (7/10 - 4/10)
= 6 + ( 7- 4/10)
= 6 + (3/10)
= 6(3/10)

Example 3: Subtract 5(2/3) from 8(11/12).
Solution:

8(11/12) - 5(2/3)
= (8 -5) + (11/12 - 2/3)
= 3 + ( 11/12 - 2*4/3*4)
= 3 + ( 11/12 - 8 / 12)
= 3 + ( 11 - 8/12)
= 3 + (3/12)
= 3 + (1/4) Simplify, 3/12
= 3(1/4)

Example 4: Subtract 1(3/4) from 3(1/2).
Solution:

1(3/4) - 3(1/2)
= (3 -1) + (3/4 - 1/2)
= 2 + 1/2 - 3/4
= 2 + 2/4 - 3/4
= 2 + 2-3/4
= 2 + (-1/4)
= 2 - 1/4
= 1 (3/4)

Practice Questions on Subtracting Mixed Fractions

Q1: Subtract 4(1/2) from 7(3/4).

Q2: Subtract 9(2/3) from 12(5/6).

Q3: Subtract 5(3/8) from 8(2/5).

Q4: Subtract 6(5/6) from 10(2/3).

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