Do you have to find the LCM when subtracting fractions?

Do you have to find the LCM when subtracting fractions?

Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators To do this, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators. To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, rename the fractions with a common denominator. Then subtract and simplify. The LCM of 3 and 11 is 33 .

What is the rule for subtracting fractions?

To add or subtract fractions they must have the same denominator (the bottom value). If the denominators are already the same then it is just a matter of either adding or subtracting the numerators (the top value). If the denominators are different then a common denominator needs to be found.

How do you subtract fractions in lowest terms?

There are 3 simple steps to subtract fractions

1. Make sure the bottom numbers (the denominators) are the same.
2. Subtract the top numbers (the numerators). Put the answer over the same denominator.
3. Simplify the fraction (if needed).

Can LCM be itself?

8 itself is their LCM. When the larger number is itself a multiple of the smaller number, then the larger number itself is their LCM.

How can I find the least common multiple?

How to Find LCM by Listing Multiples

1. List the multiples of each number until at least one of the multiples appears on all lists.
2. Find the smallest number that is on all of the lists.
3. This number is the LCM.

How do you subtract similar fractions?

To SUBTRACT fractions with like or the same denominator, just subtract the numerators then copy the common denominator. Always reduce your final answer to its lowest term.

How do we add and subtract similar fractions?

When we multiplied fractions, we just multiplied the numerators and multiplied the denominators right straight across. To add or subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator. To add or subtract fractions, add or subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator.