SUBTRACTION: Problem 1

Rule 19:

To subtract, the denominators must be equal. You essentially following the same steps as in addition.

1.: Build each fraction so that both denominators are equal.
2.: Combine the numerators according to the operation of subtraction or additions.
3.: The denominators will be the denominator of the built-up fractions.
4.: Reduce the answer.

Problem 1:

Calculate

and reduce your answer.

Answer:

The answer is

Solution:

The denominators are the same, so you can skip step 1. The denominator of the answer will be 24. Combine the numerators for the numerator in the answer. 13 - 9 = 4.
The answer is tex2html_wrap_inline40

Reduce the fraction.
tex2html_wrap_inline42 .

Check:

You can check the answer with your calculator. Calculate 13 divided by 24, calculate 9 divided by 24, and subtract the second answer from the first. Now divide 1 by 6. Both answers should be the same. If you are correct, the answers are the same (equivalent) and you have successfully combined two fractions with the operation of subtraction.

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Author:Nancy Marcus