Grab the FREE worksheet here: Subtracting Fractions with Different Denominators
To begin with, in this blog I will teach you the easiest method to subtract fractions with different denominators as you can tell by the title so the method is called the butterfly method.
- First write down the fraction sum for example 3/4 – 2/3
- Secondly draw the butterfly’s wing from the first fractions numerator to the second fractions denominator
- Thirdly draw the other butterfly’s wing from the second fractions numerator to the first fractions denominator
- Next draw the antennae eyes at the top of each butterfly’s wings
- Then you times the first fraction numerator and the second fraction denominator together and write the answer in the antennae on the left hand side of the butterfly =9
- After that you times the second fraction numerator by the first fraction denominator together and write the answer in the antennae on the right hand side of the butterfly =8
- Now you need to find the common denominator by multiplying the denominators together which gives you an answer of 12
- So you’ve got 9/12 and 8/12 so what you have to do is subtract the two 9/12 – 8/12 which equals 1/12
I hope you have learnt how to subtract fractions with different denominators using the butterfly method but if you haven’t please go and watch our video over on YouTube here: Subtracting fractions with different demonimators.