8 Free Subtracting Mixed Fractions Worksheets

Mixed fractions are an important concept in mathematics, and understanding how to subtract them is a crucial skill for students to learn. Subtracting mixed fractions worksheets can be a challenging task, but with our worksheets, we aim to make it a breeze.

8 Exciting Subtracting Mixed Fractions Worksheets

Subtracting mixed fractions is difficult for students. Children can explore this idea clearly and practically by exploring the worksheets for subtracting mixed fractions. This kind of education is essential if we want our right-brain students to acquire an idea in its entirety.

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.

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.

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.

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. You must find the other fractions. You need to 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

This time, we will do something fun and interesting. Teachers or parents can use this PDF to teach their students subtractions.  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.

Now, ask the students to solve the problems with the help of the free worksheet by using models.

Now download the worksheet for practicing more problems.

Color by Subtracting Mixed Fractions

• Now, it’s time to have some fun with colors as well as subtract mixed fractions.
• Give them a sheet with a lot of mixed fraction subtraction.
• Solve the problem and write the answers.
• After that, they will find the color according to the answers and color that part.

Download Free Worksheet

In the following sections, we will explore practical strategies and activities that teachers and parents can use to introduce and reinforce the concept of subtracting mixed fractions worksheets.

These subtracting mixed fractions worksheets provide hands-on experiences, encourage critical thinking, and create a supportive environment for young learners to explore and apply their knowledge.

Please download the free worksheets and enjoy them with your kids!