# Subtraction of Fractions having the Same Denominator | Learn How to Subtract Fractions with Common Denominators?

Subtraction of Fractions having the Same Denominator is similar to the concept of subtraction of like fractions. In subtraction of fractions with the same denominators, you must subtract the numerator of the fractions and then write the bottom number or denominator. In order to subtract the like fractions, we have to subtract the smaller numerator from the greater numerator. Scroll down this page to know how to subtract fractions with common denominators from here.

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### Steps on How to Subtract Fractions with the Same Denominator?

To subtract fractions with like or same denominator just subtract the numerators. There are some steps to subtract the like fractions. Read the below steps to subtract the fractions with the same denominator.
1. Make sure that the denominators or the bottom numbers of the fractions are the same.
2. If the denominators of the fractions are the same then directly subtract the numerator.
3. Simplify the fraction if needed.

### Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators Examples

Example 1.
You and your friend ordered a pizza which is divided into eight slides. You ate 3 slices and your friend ate more slices than you. What part of the pizza did your friend eat?
Solution:
Given,
You and your friend ordered a pizza which is divided into eight slides.
You ate 3 slices and your friend ate more slices than you.
Convert the given data into fractions.
$$\frac{8}{8}$$ – $$\frac{3}{8}$$
In this case the denominators of both the fractions are same.
$$\frac{8-3}{8}$$ = $$\frac{5}{8}$$
Therefore your friend ate $$\frac{5}{8}$$ slice of pizza.

Example 2.
Subtract the fractions $$\frac{5}{8}$$ and $$\frac{2}{8}$$ having same denominators.
Solution:
Given the fractions $$\frac{5}{8}$$ and $$\frac{2}{8}$$
Step 1. Make sure that the denominators or the bottom numbers of the fractions are the same.
In this case, the denominators are the same.
So, subtract the fractions
$$\frac{5}{8}$$ – $$\frac{2}{8}$$
Step 2. If the denominators of the fractions are the same then directly subtract the numerator.
$$\frac{5-2}{8}$$ = $$\frac{3}{8}$$
Step 3. Simplify the fraction if needed.
Thus the subtraction of the fractions $$\frac{5}{8}$$ and $$\frac{2}{8}$$ having same denominators is $$\frac{3}{8}$$.

Example 3.
Subtract the fractions $$\frac{14}{17}$$ and $$\frac{9}{17}$$ having same denominators.
Solution:
Given the fractions $$\frac{14}{17}$$ and $$\frac{9}{17}$$
Step 1. Make sure that the denominators or the bottom numbers of the fractions are the same.
In this case, the denominators are the same.
So, subtract the fractions
$$\frac{14}{17}$$ – $$\frac{9}{17}$$
Step 2. If the denominators of the fractions are the same then directly subtract the numerator.
$$\frac{14-9}{17}$$ = $$\frac{5}{17}$$
Step 3. Simplify the fraction if needed.
Thus the subtraction of the fractions $$\frac{14}{17}$$ and $$\frac{9}{17}$$ having same denominators is $$\frac{5}{17}$$

Example 4.
Subtract the fractions $$\frac{9}{23}$$ and $$\frac{4}{23}$$ having same denominators.
Solution:
Given the fractions $$\frac{9}{23}$$ and $$\frac{4}{23}$$
Step 1. Make sure that the denominators or the bottom numbers of the fractions are the same.
In this case, the denominators are the same.
So, subtract the fractions
$$\frac{9}{23}$$ – $$\frac{4}{23}$$
Step 2. If the denominators of the fractions are the same then directly subtract the numerator.
$$\frac{9-4}{23}$$ = $$\frac{5}{23}$$
Step 3. Simplify the fraction if needed.
Thus the subtraction of the fractions $$\frac{9}{23}$$ and $$\frac{4}{23}$$ having same denominators is $$\frac{5}{23}$$.

Example 5.
Subtract the fractions $$\frac{17}{49}$$ and $$\frac{13}{49}$$ having same denominators.
Solution:
Given the fractions $$\frac{17}{49}$$ and $$\frac{13}{49}$$
1. Make sure that the denominators or the bottom numbers of the fractions are the same.
In this case, the denominators are the same.
So, subtract the fractions
$$\frac{17}{49}$$ – $$\frac{13}{49}$$
2. If the denominators of the fractions are the same then directly subtract the numerator.
$$\frac{17-13}{49}$$ = $$\frac{4}{49}$$
3. Simplify the fraction if needed.
Thus the subtraction of the fractions $$\frac{17}{49}$$ and $$\frac{13}{49}$$ having same denominators is $$\frac{4}{49}$$

### FAQs on Subtraction of Like Fractions

1. How do you subtract fractions with the same denominator?

To subtract fractions with the same denominator, just subtract the numerators then copy the common denominator.

2. What do you call a fraction with the same denominator?

Fractions with the same denominators are called like fractions.

3. Why do you need to have the same denominator when you subtract fractions?

The real reason is due to the definition of the fraction itself, which is a representation of parts of a total that must be the same size. When you subtract fractions, you can’t express the result as a fraction if you do not divide the total into equal parts.

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