Subtracting Fraction With The Same Denominator

Fractions consist of two numbers. The top number is called numerator. The bottom number is called the denominator.

  numerator  

denominator

To subtract two fractions with same denominator, subtract the numerators and place that difference over the common denominator. 

Example:

3	–	1
4		4

Step 1. The bottom numbers are already the same. Go straight to step 2.

Step 2. Subtract the top numbers and put the answer over the same denominator:

3	–	1	=	3 – 1	=	2
4		4		4		4

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

2	=	1
4		2