To subtract rational numbers with the same denominator, simply subtract the numerators and

copy the common denominator. Change mixed numbers to fractions first before adding them
a b a b
following the rule. In symbols, where a, b and c are integers and .
c c c

Examples:

To subtract rational numbers with different denominators, make them similar fractions first by
finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of the fractions. The, apply the rule in subtracting
rational numbers with the same denominator. Change mixed numbers to fractions first. In
a c ad bc ad bc
symbols, where b and d are nonzero and bd is the LCD.
b d bd bd bd