Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Practice

Every problem has two different denominators, such as 3/4 − 2/5. Best for Grade 5 (Common Core 5.NF.A.1).

Ready-to-use practice

12 sample questions

A ready-made set at the starting difficulty. Check each one against the sample answers below.

  1. 7/8 − 1/2 = ?
  2. 8/9 − 1/12 = ?
  3. 9/10 − 5/6 = ?
  4. 1/2 − 5/12 = ?
  5. 8/11 − 1/2 = ?
  6. 1/3 − 1/8 = ?
  7. 8/11 − 1/3 = ?
  8. 3/5 − 3/10 = ?
  9. 5/6 − 4/9 = ?
  10. 7/12 − 3/8 = ?
  11. 5/6 − 1/10 = ?
  12. 5/6 − 1/2 = ?
Show sample answers
  1. 7/8 − 1/2 = 3/8
  2. 8/9 − 1/12 = 29/36
  3. 9/10 − 5/6 = 1/15
  4. 1/2 − 5/12 = 1/12
  5. 8/11 − 1/2 = 5/22
  6. 1/3 − 1/8 = 5/24
  7. 8/11 − 1/3 = 13/33
  8. 3/5 − 3/10 = 3/10
  9. 5/6 − 4/9 = 7/18
  10. 7/12 − 3/8 = 5/24
  11. 5/6 − 1/10 = 11/15
  12. 5/6 − 1/2 = 1/3

How to solve it

3/4 − 2/5 = 7/20

A common denominator of 4 and 5 is 20. 3/4 = 15/20 and 2/5 = 8/20, so the difference is 7/20.

Tip: Match the denominators before subtracting, then subtract only the numerators: 5/6 − 1/4 = 10/12 − 3/12 = 7/12.

Best for Grade 5 · Common Core 5.NF.A.1 · How MathFun makes these questions

What each level covers

Each level changes the kind of problem, not the grade. Pick the level that matches what is being learned, then open a practice set at that level.

  1. Level 1: Like denominators

    Example: 5/7 − 3/7

  2. Level 2: Like denominators, mixed numbers

    Example: 3 1/5 − 1 4/5

  3. Level 3: Related denominators

    Example: 5/6 − 1/3

  4. Level 4: Unlike denominators

    Example: 3/4 − 2/5

  5. Level 5: Mixed numbers, unlike denominators

    Example: 4 1/6 − 1 3/4

  6. Level 6: Improper fractions · Challenge

    Example: 11/4 − 7/6

  7. Level 7: Denominators up to 20 · Challenge

    Example: 7/16 − 5/12

  8. Level 8: Mixed numbers, denominators up to 20 · Challenge

    Example: 5 5/16 − 2 7/12

  9. Level 9: Two-digit fractions, related denominators · Challenge

    Example: 57/32 − 3/16

  10. Level 10: Two-digit fractions, unlike denominators · Challenge

    Example: 35/24 − 17/18