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8 Free Subtracting Mixed Fractions Worksheets

These subtracting mixed fractions worksheets will help to visualize and understand subtracting mixed fractions. 5th grade students will learn basic subtraction methods and can improve their basic math skills with our free printable subtracting mixed fractions worksheets.


8 Exciting Subtracting Mixed Fractions Worksheets

Please download the following subtracting mixed fractions worksheets and practice subtraction problems on the pages.


subtracting mixed fraction

Like Denominators

Worksheet #1

Unlike Denominators

Worksheet #2

Proper Fractions

Worksheet #3

Improper Fractions

Worksheet #4

Find Missing Fraction

Worksheet #5

Using Shapes

Worksheet #6

Using Models

Worksheet #7

Color by Fraction

Worksheet #8

Mixed Fractions: Definition with Examples

A full number and a certain fraction are combined to form a mixed number or mixed fraction. For example, 217 is a mixed number where 2 is the whole number and 1/7 is the proper fraction.

Explaining Mixed Fractions with Examples


Subtract Mixed Fractions with Like Denominators

Follow the given steps to subtract mixed numbers with the same denominators:

Step 1– Convert the mixed fractions into improper fractions. For example, the given mixed fractions are 6 10/12  and 1 11/12. For converting mixed fractions, we need to multiply the denominators with the whole number and add the results with the numerators, like “6 x 12 + 10 = 82” and “12 x 1 + 11 = 23”. So the improper factions are 82/12 and 23/12.

Step 2– Subtract the fraction like “82/12  – 23/12 = (82-23) / 12= 59/12“.

Step 3– Change the improper fraction into a mixed number if needed. The mixed fraction of that difference is 4 11/12.

Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Like Denominators

Now download the worksheet for practicing more problems.


Subtract Mixed Numbers with Unlike Denominators

Follow the given steps to subtract mixed numbers with different denominators:

Step 1– Convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. For example, the given mixed fractions are 16 3/9  and 10 2/5. For converting mixed fractions, we need to multiply the denominators with the whole number and add the results with the numerators, like “16 x 9 + 3 = 147” and “10 x 5 + 2 = 52.” So the improper factions are 147/9 and 52/5.

Step 2– Find the common multiple of both denominators, which is 45.

Step 3– Convert the fractions into common denominators, such as (147 x 5) / (9 x 5)   = 735/45 and (52 x 9) / (9 x 5)   = 468/45.

Step 4– Solve the fractions, such as 735/45 –468/45 = 267/45. Step 5– Convert the fraction to a mixed number. The mixed fraction is 5 42/45.

Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Now download the worksheet for practicing more problems.


Subtract Mixed Numbers and Proper Fractions

This method is so simple.

  • You must convert the mixed fractions into improper fractions, like the improper fraction of 4 1/2 is (4 x 2 + 1) / 2 or 9/2. 
  • Before subtracting the fractions, you must find the common denominator, which is 6.
  • Convert the fractions into common denominators, such as (9 x 3) / (3 x 2)   = 27/6 and (2 x 2) / (3 x 2)   = 4/6.
  • Solve the fractions, such as 27/6 – 4/6 = 23/6.
  • Convert the fraction to a mixed number. The mixed fraction is 3 5/6.

Subtract Mixed Fractions with Improper Fractions

This method is the same as the previous method. 

  • You must convert the mixed fractions into improper fractions, like the improper fraction of 1 1/3 is (1 x 3 + 1) / 3 or 4/3. 
  • Before subtracting the fractions, you must find the common denominator, which is 21.
  • Convert the fractions into common denominators, such as (4 x 7) / (3 x 7)   = 28/21 and (22 x 1) / (21 x 1)   = 22/21.
  • Solve the fractions, such as 28/21 – 22/21 = 7/21.
  • Convert the fraction to a mixed number or simplify the fraction if needed. The simplification of 7/21 is 1/3.

Finding the Missing Mixed Fraction from Subtraction

In this method, the answer and one of the mixed fractions are given. Find the other fractions. Find the missing number by adding or subtracting the other number next to the sign from the difference.


Using Different Shapes to Subtract Mixed Numbers

Provide a worksheet where various shapes and mixed fractions are given. As per the instruction, they will find the particular shape and subtract the mixed fractions written on the shapes. For example, if an instruction is given to subtract the square shape from the circle, they will find the shapes, convert them into improper fractions, and subtract the fractions.


Subtracting Mixed Numbers Using Models

We can subtract mixed fractions with the help of models.

  • First, we draw the models and mark off the wholes. For example, if we subtract “4 3/5 –  2 4/5”, we will draw 5 models and divide each model into five parts. 
  • Then color the whole parts and the total numerators.
  • Mark off the fractions 3/5 and 4/5.
  • The remaining part will be the answer, which is 1 4/5.

Subtracting Mixed Numbers Using Models

Now download the worksheet for practicing more problems.

Subtracting Mixed Fractions with Color by Numbers

Now, it’s time to have some fun with colors as well as subtract mixed fractions.

  • Give them a worksheet with a lot of mixed fraction subtraction.
  • Solve the problem and write the answers. A color code is given for each solution,
  • After that, they will find the color according to the answers and color that part.

Download Free Worksheet PDF

Download the following combined PDF and enjoy your practice session.


So today, we’ve discussed subtracting mixed fractions worksheets using the concepts of using shapes, models, proper fraction, improper fraction, and color by fraction. Download our free worksheets, and after practicing these worksheets, students will surely improve their mathematical skills and have a better understanding of subtraction.

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