Subtraction of Rational Numbers
2026-02-28 23:34 Diff
https://brightchamps.com/en-us/math/numbers/subtraction-of-rational-numbers

The following are the methods of subtraction of rational numbers:

Method 1: Horizontal Method

To apply the horizontal method for subtraction of rational numbers, use the following steps.

Step 1: Write both rational numbers in the same line using a minus sign in between.

Step 2: If needed, rewrite the rational numbers to have a common denominator.

Step 3: Subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Simplify if possible.

Let’s apply these steps to an example: Question: Subtract 3/4 from 5/2

Step 1: Write both numbers in the same line,

Step 2: Make denominators the same: 3/4 = 6/8, 5/2 = 20/8

Step 3: Subtract the numerators: 20/8 - 6/8 = 14/8 = 7/4 Answer: 7/4

Method 2: Fraction Bar Method

When subtracting rational numbers using the fraction bar method, we place one fraction over the other.

Ensure like denominators, then subtract the numerators and simplify the result. For example, Subtract 2/3 from 7/6

Solution: Arrange the like denominators 7/6 ← Minuend (from which we subtract) - 2/3 ← Subtrahend (what we subtract, rewritten as 4/6) ------- 7/6 - 4/6 = 3/6 = 1/2

Therefore, upon subtracting, we get 1/2