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Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators: Grade 5 Practice

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How to Subtract Fractions with Different Denominators Step by Step

Help your child master subtracting fractions with unlike denominators using this clear and friendly worksheet for Grade 5. Students learn important maths skills by practising how to find common denominators, subtract the numerators, and simplify their answers.


Designed with easy-to-read fonts and colourful fraction bars, this printable worksheet builds confidence for 10–11-year-olds. Step-by-step questions and number line visuals make subtraction of unlike fractions simple and engaging for home practice or homework support.


Perfect for revision before exams or class tests, this activity follows key maths topics from the Grade 5 curriculum. Download the free PDF and help your child build strong fraction skills for higher marks and future maths success.

How This Worksheet Helps You Learn?

The Class 5 Maths Subtracting Fractions Unlike Denominators 2–12 printable worksheet is designed to build fundamental skills in fraction subtraction for Grade 5 students. This resource strengthens their understanding of subtracting fractions with different denominators by offering varied practice—such as fill-in-the-blanks, word questions, and number lines. Students gain step-by-step exposure to finding a common denominator, performing subtraction, and simplifying results.


This PDF practice sheet encourages consistent practice at home or in class to reinforce fraction concepts, making exam revision smoother and less stressful. Parents and educators can rely on the high-quality design and clear layout to support learning and revision for subtracting unlike fractions. Repeated practice using this worksheet helps build both skills and confidence in Grade 5 maths.


Usage Tips for Parents and Teachers

  • Print a fresh copy of the worksheet for weekly practice and review.
  • Use the step-by-step answer key to support self-correction and independent learning.
  • Discuss visual fraction bar or number line questions together for added understanding.
  • Combine this PDF with other fraction worksheets for a comprehensive revision pack.

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What You Learned

This page offers a Class 5 maths printable worksheet focused on subtracting fractions with unlike denominators (2–12). Through a mix of problem types and visual aids, students master essential steps: finding common denominators, subtracting, and simplifying answers. The PDF is structured for easy download and printing, with answers provided for each question, helping both classroom teaching and homework practice. Consistent use of this worksheet ensures a strong grasp of fraction subtraction skills for Grade 5 learners.

FAQs on Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators: Grade 5 Practice

1. How do you subtract unlike fractions Class 5?

To subtract fractions with unlike denominators in Class 5, you must first make the denominators the same and then subtract the numerators. The process involves a few simple steps:
1. Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the two different denominators. This will be your least common denominator (LCD).
2. Convert each fraction into an equivalent fraction that has the LCD as its new denominator.
3. Subtract the numerators of the new fractions.
4. Keep the common denominator the same in the answer.
5. Simplify the resulting fraction to its lowest terms if needed.

2. How to subtract and simplify fractions?

You can subtract and simplify fractions by following a clear, step-by-step method after ensuring the denominators are the same. After subtracting the numerators, you need to simplify the final answer.

  • Subtracting: Once the fractions have a common denominator, subtract the second numerator from the first.
  • Simplifying: To simplify the fraction, find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of the numerator and the new denominator. Divide both the numerator and denominator by their GCF to get the fraction in its simplest form.

3. How can equivalent fractions help you subtract fractions with unlike denominators?

Equivalent fractions are essential for subtracting fractions with unlike denominators because they allow you to rewrite the problem with a common base. You cannot subtract fractions directly when their denominators (the bottom numbers) are different.

  • By finding a common denominator, you can create equivalent fractions for each original fraction.
  • These new fractions represent the same value as the originals but share the same denominator, making the subtraction of numerators possible.

4. What is the first step in subtracting fractions with different denominators?

The very first step in subtracting fractions with different denominators is to find the Least Common Denominator (LCD). The LCD is the smallest number that is a multiple of both original denominators, which allows you to create equivalent fractions before you can subtract.

5. Does this Grade 5 Maths worksheet on subtracting fractions include an answer key?

Yes, this subtracting unlike fractions worksheet for Grade 5 comes with a detailed answer key. The answer key provides step-by-step solutions for every problem, allowing parents and students to check their work and understand the process of finding common denominators, subtracting, and simplifying the final answer.

6. Is this subtracting fractions with unlike denominators worksheet printable?

Absolutely, this Class 5 Maths worksheet is designed as a free, downloadable PDF that is easy to print. Its format is optimized for standard paper sizes, making it perfect for at-home practice, homework support, or revision before exams.

7. What skills are built by this fraction subtraction worksheet?

This worksheet helps Grade 5 students build several crucial maths skills beyond just subtraction. Key skills include:

  • Finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM) to get a common denominator.
  • Creating equivalent fractions.
  • Subtracting fractions accurately.
  • Simplifying fractions to their lowest terms.
  • Applying these steps to solve word problems on fractions.
  • Developing logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

8. How does this worksheet help with exam preparation for Class 5 Maths?

This worksheet is an excellent tool for exam preparation as it provides targeted practice on subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, a key topic in the Class 5 syllabus. It includes a variety of question types, from fill-in-the-blanks to word problems, mirroring what students might see in their school exams and helping them build confidence and speed.

9. Why are visual aids like number lines included in this worksheet?

Visual aids like fraction bars and number lines are included to help students develop a deeper, more intuitive understanding of fraction subtraction. These visuals make the abstract concept of subtracting parts of a whole more concrete, which is especially helpful for visual learners and reinforces concept retention.

10. How do you subtract a fraction from a whole number in Class 5?

To subtract a fraction from a whole number, you first need to convert the whole number into a fraction. Here are the steps:
1. Rewrite the whole number as a fraction with a denominator of 1 (e.g., 5 becomes 5/1).
2. Find the least common denominator (LCD) between this new fraction and the one you are subtracting.
3. Create an equivalent fraction for the whole number using the LCD.
4. Subtract the numerators as you would with any other unlike fractions.
5. Simplify the final answer if necessary.