Subtracting fractions means taking one fraction away from another. Just like when adding fractions, the fractions need to have the same denominator (the bottom number of the fraction). If they have the same denominator, you can subtract the numerators (the top numbers) directly.

If the fractions have different denominators, you first need to find a common denominator before subtracting the numerators. Once the denominators are the same, you can subtract the numerators.

Examples:

Example 1: Subtracting Fractions with the Same Denominator
If you have 5/8 - 3/8, the denominators are the same (both are 8), so you simply subtract the numerators: 5 - 3 = 2, so the answer is 2/8, which can be simplified to 1/4.

Example 2: Subtracting Fractions with Different Denominators
If you have 3/4 - 2/5, you need to find a common denominator. The least common denominator between 4 and 5 is 20. You can rewrite 3/4 as 15/20 and 2/5 as 8/20. Now, subtract the fractions: 15/20 - 8/20 = 7/20.

Subtracting fractions is useful in various situations, such as when you're finding the difference between parts of a whole or subtracting measurements. Make sure the denominators are the same before subtracting the numerators!

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