5th Grade Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Worksheet
Subtract fractions with different denominators by rewriting them over a common denominator first.
- Homework
- Review
- Test Prep
- Tutoring
Download the Free Printable PDF
No sign-up required. Clean, low-ink US Letter format.
- Grade
- 5th Grade
- Subject
- Math
- Skill
- Fractions
- Topic
- subtracting fractions with unlike denominators
- Difficulty
- Standard
- Time
- 18 minutes
- Pages
- 2 (incl. answer key)
- Format
- Printable PDF (US Letter)
- Answer key
- Included
- Best for
- homework, review, test prep, tutoring
Worksheet details
What This Worksheet Practices
Students will subtract fractions with unlike denominators by rewriting them over a common denominator.
- Finding a common denominator
- Rewriting fractions as equivalent fractions
- Subtracting once denominators match
Inside This Printable
Student directions: Subtract. Rewrite the fractions with a common denominator first, then subtract the numerators.
Worked example
1/2 - 1/4: rewrite 1/2 as 2/4, then 2/4 - 1/4 = 1/4.
Sample questions
- 1/2 - 1/4 =
- 2/3 - 1/6 =
- 3/4 - 1/2 =
The PDF contains 8 practice questions plus 2 challenge questions.
Worksheet Preview
Same-size pieces, then subtract
Just like adding, you can only subtract fractions when the pieces are the same size — so first rename both fractions over a common denominator, then subtract the numerators. For 1/2 − 1/4, rewrite 1/2 as 2/4 and subtract to get 1/4.
How to use it
Lean on equivalent fractions: find a common denominator, rewrite each fraction, then subtract. The classic error is subtracting straight across. Builds on adding fractions with unlike denominators.
👩🏫 Teacher note
You can only subtract pieces of the same size, so rename both fractions to a common denominator first, then subtract the numerators.
🏠 Parent note
Make the bottom numbers the same first (a common denominator), then subtract the top numbers.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Subtracting numerators and denominators straight across
- Using a common denominator but not converting the numerators
Answer Key
Each answer shows the difference; simplify where noted.
⬇ Download Answer Key (PDF)Learn this skill first
Take the free lesson on fractions — worked examples and practice exercises, then come back to this worksheet.
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Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions Worksheet
Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers and back, keeping the denominator the same.
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