How to Use Area Models to Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators
Area models are visual representations that can help students understand fraction subtraction. For additional educational resources, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.
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A step-by-step guide to Using Area Models to Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using area models to subtract fractions with like denominators:
Step 1: Understand the problem
Make sure you fully understand the fractions you need to subtract. For this example, let’s say we want to subtract \(\frac{5}{6} – \frac{2}{6}\).
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Step 2: Draw the area models
Draw two rectangles of equal size to represent the two fractions you’re subtracting. Label each rectangle with its respective fraction.
Step 3: Divide the area models
Divide each rectangle into equal parts based on the denominator. In our example, both denominators are 6, so divide each rectangle into 6 equal parts.
Step 4: Shade the parts
Shade the parts of the area models based on the numerators. In our example, shade 5 parts of the first rectangle (\(\frac{5}{6}\)) and 2 parts of the second rectangle (\(\frac{2}{6}\)).
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Step 5: Align the area models
Place the second area model (\(\frac{2}{6}\)) directly above or below the first area model (\(\frac{5}{6}\)) with the shaded parts aligned.
Step 6: Subtract the shaded parts
To subtract the fractions, remove the shaded parts of the second rectangle from the shaded parts of the first rectangle. In our example, remove 2 shaded parts (\(\frac{2}{6}\)) from the 5 shaded parts (\(\frac{5}{6}\)), leaving 3 shaded parts.
Step 7: Write the difference as a fraction
Write the difference using the remaining number of shaded parts as the numerator and the original denominator. In our example, the difference is \(\frac{3}{6}\).
Step 8: Simplify if necessary
- If the resulting fraction can be simplified, do so. In our example, \(\frac{3}{6}\) simplifies to \(\frac{1}{2}\).
So, using area models, we found that \(\frac{5}{6} – \frac{2}{6}= \frac{1}{2}\).
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