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How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?

2 Answers

3 votes

Answer:

When solving fractions with different denominators, you first need to make the denominators the same.

Example:


(1)/(2) -
(1)/(4)

You need to make sure the denominators are the same.

Can 2 get multiply by something and will be 4?

The answer is yes, if you multiply 2 by 2, it will change the 2 to 4. You have to multiply the equation
(1)/(2) by
(4)/(4) (which is also equivalent to 1) and which change the equation to
(2)/(4).

And now you can subtract because the denominators are the same.

Hope this helps!

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

User Luis Estevez
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You find a common denominator, for example, if you want to subtract 3/4 minus 1/2 you would have to multiply 1/2 by 2/2, which equals 2/4, then you can do 3/4-2/4, which is 1/4. Sorry if it’s a bit confusing, hope it helps!
User Will Pierce
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