Subtraction
Algebra Help: Section 3.10
One entire quantity may be subtracted from another, when they have a common factor to serve as the unit of subtraction. In like manner, one fraction may be subtracted from another when they have the same fractional unit, or a common denominator.
1. From a ÷ b subtract c ÷ b.
OPERATION:
a c (a - c) - - - = ------- b b b
ANALYSIS -
The fractions have a common unit, 1 ÷ b. In a ÷ b, this unit is taken a
times. In c ÷ b, this unit is taken c times. Therefore the difference of the
fractions is taken a minus c times, expressed as follows:
(a - c) ------- b
From this example we derive the following.
RULES -
- Reduce the fractions to their least common denominator.
- Subtract the numerator of the subtrahend from the numerator of the minuend, and write the result over the common denominator.
NOTE - Mixed quantities must be reduced to fractions before subtracting. Fractional results should be reduced to their lowest terms.
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New Elementary Algebra
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By Horation N Robinison, LL. D. Ivison, Blakeman & Company, Publishers, New York and Chicago.
