Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s solve each subtraction problem step by step. All problems involve subtracting fractions with the same denominator, which is straightforward: subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

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Problem 1)

Visual: A circle divided into 3 equal parts, all shaded (3/3), minus a circle with 1 part shaded (1/3).
Math:
\[
\frac{3}{3} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{3 - 1}{3} = \frac{2}{3}
\]
✔ Answer: \(\frac{2}{3}\)

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Problem 2)

Visual: A circle divided into 7 parts, 7 shaded (7/7), minus 6 shaded (6/7).
Math:
\[
\frac{7}{7} - \frac{6}{7} = \frac{7 - 6}{7} = \frac{1}{7}
\]
✔ Answer: \(\frac{1}{7}\)

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Problem 3)

Visual: A circle divided into 9 parts, 7 shaded (7/9), minus 4 shaded (4/9).
Math:
\[
\frac{7}{9} - \frac{4}{9} = \frac{7 - 4}{9} = \frac{3}{9}
\]
We can simplify \(\frac{3}{9}\) by dividing numerator and denominator by 3:
\[
\frac{3 ÷ 3}{9 ÷ 3} = \frac{1}{3}
\]
✔ Answer: \(\frac{1}{3}\) *(simplified form)*

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Problem 4)

Visual: A circle divided into 11 parts, 4 shaded (4/11), minus 3 shaded (3/11).
Math:
\[
\frac{4}{11} - \frac{3}{11} = \frac{4 - 3}{11} = \frac{1}{11}
\]
✔ Answer: \(\frac{1}{11}\)

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Problem 5)

Visual: A circle divided into 9 parts, 8 shaded (8/9), minus 4 shaded (4/9).
Math:
\[
\frac{8}{9} - \frac{4}{9} = \frac{8 - 4}{9} = \frac{4}{9}
\]
✔ Answer: \(\frac{4}{9}\)

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## ✔ Final Answers:

1) \(\frac{2}{3}\)
2) \(\frac{1}{7}\)
3) \(\frac{1}{3}\)
4) \(\frac{1}{11}\)
5) \(\frac{4}{9}\)

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## 📝 Explanation Summary:
When subtracting fractions with the same denominator, you only subtract the numerators and keep the denominator unchanged. After subtracting, always check if the fraction can be simplified (reduced to lowest terms), as in problem #3.

This worksheet helps build visual understanding of fractions — seeing how many parts are taken away from a whole or part of a whole. Great for foundational math skills!