Fraction Frog

5	-	8
6		9

Step 1: Analyze the operation

This is a subtraction problem, so we need to find two equivalent fractions that have the same denominators. Then we can subtract the numerators.

5	-	8
6		9

Step 2: Find a common denominator

List the multiples of each denominator until a common number is found.

Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18

Multiples of 9: 9, 18

Now we know 18 is the least common denominator of 5/6 and 8/9.

5	-	8
6		9

Step 3 : Write each fraction with the common denominator

We want the denominator of each fraction to be 18. But we can't change the denominator without changing the numerator too. To find the new numerator of each fraction, use this formula:

(Common Denominator ÷ Denominator) x Numerator = New Numerator

Plug in the values of the first fraction into the formula:

(18 ÷ 6) × 5 = 15

Re-writing the first fraction, we get 15/18.

Plug in the values of the second fraction into the formula:

(18 ÷ 9) × 8 = 16

Re-writing the second fraction, we get 16/18.

15	-	16
18		18

Step 4: Subtract the numerators and write over common denominator

Subtract the first numerator and the second numerator:

15	-	16	=	-1
18		18		18

The fraction is in lowest terms, and it is proper, so we're done!