Problem Set 21 – Subtracting Like FractionsClass 5 Maths · Chapter 5 Fractions · Problem Set 21 – Maharashtra Board

Summary: Problem Set 21 – Subtracting Like Fractions

To subtract like fractions, subtract the second numerator from the first and keep the same denominator.

4/5 − 1/5 = (4 − 1)/5 = 3/5, because 4 fifths take away 1 fifth leaves 3 fifths.

The denominator does not change, since the size of each piece stays the same.

To find 'how much more' or 'how much is left', subtract the smaller fraction from the bigger one.

1 can be written as 8/8, 10/10 and so on, so 1 − 3/8 = 8/8 − 3/8 = 5/8.

Key points to remember

• Subtract the numerators
• Keep the denominator the same
• Never subtract the denominators
• 4/5 − 1/5 = 3/5
• Bigger fraction first, then take away
• 'How much more' / 'left' → subtract
• 1 − 3/8 = 8/8 − 3/8 = 5/8
• A fraction minus itself = 0

Problem Set 21 – Subtracting Like Fractions – Notes

1. Take away pieces of the same size

• A bar is cut into 5 equal pieces and you have 4 of them: 4/5.
• If you give away 1 piece, 3 pieces are left: 3/5.
• So 4/5 − 1/5 = 3/5. Only the number of pieces changed, not their size.

2. The rule

• Write the difference of the numerators on top.
• Write the common denominator below.
• Check: add your answer to the fraction you took away — you should get back the first fraction.

3. How much more?

• Asha ate 7/12 of a melon and Babu ate 4/12. How much more did Asha eat?
• Subtract the smaller from the bigger: 7/12 − 4/12 = 3/12.
• Asha ate 3/12 of the melon more than Babu.

4. Subtracting from 1

• Write 1 with the same denominator as the other fraction.
• 1 − 3/8 = 8/8 − 3/8 = 5/8.
• This tells what part is left when 3/8 of a whole is used.

5. Word problems

• 9/10 of a wall must be painted and 6/10 is done. Still to paint: 9/10 − 6/10 = 3/10.
• Look for words like 'left', 'remaining', 'how much more' or 'difference'.
• Always put the bigger fraction first.

Formulas at a glance

Key terms

Problem Set 21 – Subtracting Like Fractions – Flashcards

Read the question, answer it in your head, then tap the card to check. 10 cards.

Problem Set 21 – Subtracting Like Fractions – MCQ Quiz

10 questions. Tap an option — you will see at once if it is right and why.

How to study Problem Set 21 – Subtracting Like Fractions

⏱ About 20 minutes

1. See it (5 min)
   Shade 4 of 5 parts of a strip, then rub out 1. Count what is left.
2. Practise (10 min)
   Do the worked example and the 4 'Try it yourself' sums.
3. Review (5 min)
   Check by adding back, then take the quiz and play 🎮 Play.