How To Subtract Two Fractions

Fraction Subtraction Formula:

\[ \frac{a}{b} - \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a \times d - b \times c}{b \times d} \]

Subtraction Result:

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1. What is Fraction Subtraction?

Fraction subtraction is a mathematical operation that finds the difference between two fractions. To subtract fractions, they must have the same denominator. When denominators are different, we find a common denominator before subtracting.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fraction subtraction formula:

\[ \frac{a}{b} - \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a \times d - b \times c}{b \times d} \]

Where:

\( a \) — Numerator of first fraction
\( b \) — Denominator of first fraction
\( c \) — Numerator of second fraction
\( d \) — Denominator of second fraction

Explanation: The formula works by finding a common denominator (b × d) and then subtracting the adjusted numerators.

3. Importance of Fraction Subtraction

Details: Understanding fraction subtraction is fundamental in mathematics and essential for solving real-world problems involving ratios, proportions, and measurements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter numerators and denominators for both fractions. Denominators must be positive integers. The calculator will show the result in both unsimplified and simplified forms.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I subtract fractions with different denominators?
A: Yes, by finding a common denominator (which this calculator does automatically).

Q2: What if my result is negative?
A: A negative result means the second fraction was larger than the first.

Q3: How does the simplification work?
A: The calculator finds the greatest common divisor (GCD) of numerator and denominator to simplify the fraction.

Q4: What if I enter 0 as denominator?
A: The calculator requires denominators to be positive integers (minimum value 1).

Q5: Can this handle mixed numbers?
A: No, convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first before using this calculator.