Example

Subtracting 23241324-\frac{23}{24} - \frac{13}{24}

Subtract two negative fractions that share the denominator 2424:

23241324-\frac{23}{24} - \frac{13}{24}

Subtract the numerators and place the difference over the common denominator:

231324=3624\frac{-23 - 13}{24} = \frac{-36}{24}

Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, 1212:

36÷1224÷12=32\frac{-36 \div 12}{24 \div 12} = \frac{-3}{2}

Finally, rewrite using the convention that a negative sign in the numerator can be placed in front of the fraction: 32-\frac{3}{2}. This uses the property ab=ab-\frac{a}{b} = \frac{-a}{b}. The example combines three skills — applying the common-denominator subtraction rule, simplifying the resulting fraction, and correctly positioning the negative sign.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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