Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

  • Level: Grade 5
  • Free
  • Printable
  • Answer key included

The larger fraction always comes first, so answers are positive. Students find a common denominator, subtract and simplify.

Live previewUpdates as you change the options
Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators
Name: Date: Score: / 16

Subtract. Simplify your answer.

  1. 1.
    35−27=
  2. 2.
    47−12=
  3. 3.
    45−210=
  4. 4.
    56−310=
  5. 5.
    24−18=
  6. 6.
    24−28=
  7. 7.
    34−13=
  8. 8.
    38−39=
  9. 9.
    67−23=
  10. 10.
    89−47=
  11. 11.
    23−410=
  12. 12.
    35−13=
  13. 13.
    410−27=
  14. 14.
    610−29=
  15. 15.
    46−38=
  16. 16.
    59−12=
MathSheetLabWorksheet #318594
Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators Answer key
  1. 1.
    35−27=1135
  2. 2.
    47−12=114
  3. 3.
    45−210=35
  4. 4.
    56−310=815
  5. 5.
    24−18=38
  6. 6.
    24−28=14
  7. 7.
    34−13=512
  8. 8.
    38−39=124
  9. 9.
    67−23=421
  10. 10.
    89−47=2063
  11. 11.
    23−410=415
  12. 12.
    35−13=415
  13. 13.
    410−27=435
  14. 14.
    610−29=1745
  15. 15.
    46−38=724
  16. 16.
    59−12=118
MathSheetLabWorksheet #318594

About this worksheet

Each sheet contains 12, 16 or 20 problems (your choice) and is generated at random. Press “New problems” as many times as you like; there is no limit and no account needed.

Worked example

68−510=
  1. Find a common denominator: the least common multiple of 8 and 10 is 40.
  2. Rewrite both fractions: 6/8 = 30/40 and 5/10 = 20/40.
  3. Subtract the numerators: 30 − 20 = 10, so the result is 10/40.
  4. Simplify: divide the top and bottom by 10. 10/40 = 1/4.

Answer: 1/4

Teaching tips

  • Compare the two fractions before subtracting to anticipate the size of the answer.

How to print or save as PDF

  1. Choose the options on the left (on a phone, above the preview).
  2. Press Print / Save as PDF.
  3. In the print window, pick your printer, or choose “Save as PDF” as the destination.

Only the worksheet and its answer key are printed; menus and buttons are hidden automatically.

Related worksheets

More fractions worksheets