How to Use Area Models to Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators

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.

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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

1. 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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