Subtract any two fractions — including mixed numbers and unlike denominators — with this Subtracting Fractions Calculator. Enter the whole number (optional), numerator, and denominator for each fraction, then hit Calculate to get the result as a simplified fraction, a decimal, and a mixed number — with the full step-by-step working shown.
Result (Simplified Fraction)
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Mixed Number
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Result Numerator
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Result Denominator
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To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, first find the least common denominator (LCD) of both fractions. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD, then subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same. Finally, simplify the result to its lowest terms. For example: 3/4 − 1/3 = 9/12 − 4/12 = 5/12.
To subtract mixed numbers, first convert each mixed number into an improper fraction by multiplying the whole number by the denominator and adding the numerator. Then subtract the two improper fractions using the standard method (find a common denominator, subtract numerators, and simplify). Convert the result back to a mixed number if needed.
To subtract a fraction from a whole number, convert the whole number into a fraction with the same denominator as the fraction you're subtracting. For example, 3 − 1/4 becomes 12/4 − 1/4 = 11/4, which simplifies to the mixed number 2 3/4.
Convert the whole number to a fraction with the same denominator as your fraction, then subtract. For example, 5/4 − 1 = 5/4 − 4/4 = 1/4. If the result is negative, the fraction is less than the whole number being subtracted.
Simplifying (or reducing) a fraction means dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD) until no common factor remains. For example, 6/8 simplifies to 3/4 because both 6 and 8 are divisible by 2. This calculator always returns results in their fully simplified form.
7/8 − 3/4 = 7/8 − 6/8 = 1/8. To solve this, convert 3/4 to eighths (6/8), then subtract: 7 − 6 = 1, keeping the denominator 8. The result is 1/8.
3/4 − 1/3 = 9/12 − 4/12 = 5/12. The LCD of 4 and 3 is 12. Convert 3/4 to 9/12 and 1/3 to 4/12, then subtract the numerators: 9 − 4 = 5. The answer is 5/12.
Yes. Subtracting a negative fraction is the same as adding its positive equivalent. For example, 1/2 − (−1/3) = 1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6. This calculator handles negative numerators correctly, so you can enter a negative numerator directly into the input field.