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Let’s use fraction circles to model the same example,
Start with seven pieces. Take away two pieces. How many twelfths are left?
Again, we have five twelfths,
Use fraction circles to find the difference:
Start with four pieces. Take away one piece. Count how many fifths are left. There are three pieces left.
Use a model to find each difference. Show a diagram to illustrate your model.
, models may differ.
Use a model to find each difference. Show a diagram to illustrate your model.
, models may differ
We subtract fractions with a common denominator in much the same way as we add fractions with a common denominator.
If are numbers where then
To subtract fractions with a common denominators, we subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator.
Find the difference:
Subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator. | |
Simplify the numerator. | |
Simplify the fraction by removing common factors. |
Find the difference:
Subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator. |
The fraction is simplified because we cannot combine the terms in the numerator.
Find the difference:
Remember, the fraction can be written as
Subtract the numerators. | |
Simplify. | |
Rewrite with the negative sign in front of the fraction. |
Now lets do an example that involves both addition and subtraction.
Simplify:
Combine the numerators over the common denominator. | |
Simplify the numerator, working left to right. | |
Subtract the terms in the numerator. | |
Rewrite with the negative sign in front of the fraction. |
Model Fraction Addition
In the following exercises, use a model to add the fractions. Show a diagram to illustrate your model.
Add Fractions with a Common Denominator
In the following exercises, find each sum.
Model Fraction Subtraction
In the following exercises, use a model to subtract the fractions. Show a diagram to illustrate your model.
Subtract Fractions with a Common Denominator
In the following exercises, find the difference.
Mixed Practice
In the following exercises, perform the indicated operation and write your answers in simplified form.
Trail Mix Jacob is mixing together nuts and raisins to make trail mix. He has of a pound of nuts and of a pound of raisins. How much trail mix can he make?
Baking Janet needs of a cup of flour for a recipe she is making. She only has of a cup of flour and will ask to borrow the rest from her next-door neighbor. How much flour does she have to borrow?
Greg dropped his case of drill bits and three of the bits fell out. The case has slots for the drill bits, and the slots are arranged in order from smallest to largest. Greg needs to put the bits that fell out back in the case in the empty slots. Where do the three bits go? Explain how you know.
After a party, Lupe has of a cheese pizza, of a pepperoni pizza, and of a veggie pizza left. Will all the slices fit into pizza box? Explain your reasoning.
Answers will vary.
ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.
ⓑ On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate your mastery of this section in light of your responses on the checklist? How can you improve this?
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