Subtract Rational Numbers Quick Check

Answer 1

To subtract rational numbers, you should follow these steps:

1. Make sure that both rational numbers have the same denominator. If they have different denominators, find a common denominator by multiplying the denominators together.

2. Subtract the numerators of the rational numbers. Keep the denominator the same.

3. Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible, by finding the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it.

4. Write the resulting fraction in its simplest form, if necessary.

For example, let's say we need to subtract 3/5 from 7/10:

1. The denominators are already the same, so we can move to the next step.

2. 7 - 3 = 4. The denominator remains the same, which is 10.

3. The resulting fraction is 4/10.

4. We can simplify 4/10 by finding the greatest common factor, which is 2. Dividing both the numerator and denominator by 2, we get 2/5.

So, 7/10 - 3/5 = 2/5.