Name DateWORKSHEET 2.9: SUBTRACTING RATIONAL NUMBERS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow the steps below to subtract positive and negative rational numbers:- Rewrite the problem by adding the opposite of the number after the subtraction sign.
- Express any mixed or whole numbers as improper fractions.
- Rewrite any negative fractions so that the denominators are positive.
- Find the least common denominator and write equivalent fractions.
- Add numerators, following the rules for adding integers.
- Write the sum over the denominator.
- Simplify the answer.
EXAMPLE
21
8
− 3
4
5
= 2
1
8
+
(
− 3
4
5
)
=
17
8
+
− 19
5
=
85
40
+
− 152
40
=
− 67
40
=− 1
27
40
DIRECTIONS: Find the difference.
- −
1
4
−
3
5
1
3
−
(
−
5
8
)
3.− 4
3
10
−
(
− 7
1
4
)
- 3 − 7
1
5
- 4
3
4
− 5
1
4
1
4
−
3
8
- 4
3
4
−
(
−
6
7
)
8.− 1
4
5
−
3
4
9.−
9
10
− 1
3
4
12
13
−
(
−
5
6
)
CHALLENGE:Write a subtraction problem with rational numbers that can be
rewritten so that two negative rational numbers are added. Then solve your
problem.65Copyright
©
2011 by Judith A. Muschla, Gary Robert Muschla, and Erin Muschla. All rights reserved.