Grade 3 Math: Subtracting Fractions
39 printable 3rd Grade math worksheets on Subtracting Fractions. The first three are free to download; All Access opens all 39.
Practice pages support a program; they are not the lesson. These sheets reinforce Building Number Sense Grade 3, the sequenced K–5 math series from Faith Thinkers. See every program →
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Teaching Subtracting Fractions
What it is
Subtracting fractions with the same denominator means subtracting the top numbers and keeping the bottom: 5/8 minus 2/8 is 3/8. Unlike denominators are renamed to a common one first, and a mixed number may need a whole traded for parts.
When a child is ready
Begin once adding like fractions and finding equivalent fractions are both secure.
If they struggle
The classic error is subtracting the bottom numbers too. Say eighths take away eighths leaves eighths, and draw the strip alongside. For 4 1/4 minus 1 3/4, make the trade a written step: one whole becomes 4/4, so 4 1/4 is rewritten as 3 5/4 before anything is subtracted.
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