Subtracting fractions
Years 3–4: 16 subtraction questions within one whole. Keep the denominator and subtract the numerators. Free A4 PDF with answer boxes and a worked answer key.
- Years 3–4
- 16 questions
- 4 A4 pages
- Worked answer key
- No calculator needed
PDF · 52 KB · prints at actual size on A4 · questions on pages 1–2, answers on pages 3–4
What the worksheet covers
- Fractions with the same denominator
- Subtracting numerators
- Answers within one whole
- Equivalent and simplified answers
The questions are grouped into sections that move from fluency to reasoning and problem solving. Each question has its own answer box and space for working, and the answer key explains the method rather than giving the answer alone.
Worked example
Example: 5/6 − 4/6 = 1/6. Start with five sixths and take away four sixths: one sixth is left.
The example on the worksheet is separate from the 16 questions, so it never gives an answer away.
Sample questions
- 2/3 − 1/3 =
- 3/4 − 1/4 =
- 4/5 − 2/5 =
- 5/6 − 2/6 =
Show answers to the sample questions
- 1/3. Keep denominator 3: 2 − 1 = 1. Answer 1/3, equivalent to 1/3.
- 1/2. Keep denominator 4: 3 − 1 = 2. Answer 2/4, equivalent to 1/2.
- 2/5. Keep denominator 5: 4 − 2 = 2. Answer 2/5, equivalent to 2/5.
- 1/2. Keep denominator 6: 5 − 2 = 3. Answer 3/6, equivalent to 1/2.
How to use it
- Print pages 1–2 for the learner and keep pages 3–4 (the answer key) for marking.
- Read the instructions box: Keep the denominator the same and subtract the numerators. Simplify where you can.
- Work through the sections in order, showing working in the space and writing each final answer in its box.
- Mark with the worked answer key, talk through any mistakes, then retry those questions a few days later.
Printing tips
- Paper and scaleA4, portrait, scale set to “actual size” or 100%, not “fit to page”.
- Black and whiteThe light layout is designed for greyscale printing and photocopying.
- Questions onlyChoose pages 1–2 in the print dialog to keep the answers separate.
- Phones and tabletsOpen the PDF, then use Share › Print (iPhone and iPad) or the menu › Print (Android).
Keep practising
Start Year 3 Daily 10 Maths →Related worksheets
Topic guides
Curriculum alignment
Year labels and topics follow the national curriculum for England. This worksheet is selected practice, not a complete test of the year or course.
Common questions
Is this worksheet free?
Yes. The Subtracting fractions is free to download, print and photocopy for home or classroom use. There is no sign-up and no watermark.
Are the answers included?
Yes. Pages 1–2 are the questions and pages 3–4 are a worked answer key with the method for every question, so you can print the questions on their own.
How do I print it at the right size?
Use Print on this page, or open the PDF and print on A4 paper in portrait with the scale set to actual size or 100%, not “fit to page”. It prints clearly in black and white.