This Grade 5 mathematics worksheet provides practice subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Students solve problems such as 5/6 − 1/7, 4/5 − 2/3, and 9/10 − 3/4 by finding a common denominator, creating equivalent fractions, subtracting the numerators, and simplifying the result. It includes 20 items: 18 multiple-choice questions and 2 multiple-select questions, with several items checking students’ understanding of the common-denominator process and fraction simplification.
Use this free printable worksheet with Grade 5 students for independent practice, review, homework, or a quick formative assessment. The answer choices help reveal whether students are confusing numerators and denominators, subtracting without finding equivalent fractions, or leaving answers unsimplified. A complete answer key is included so teachers can check work efficiently and discuss the steps behind answers such as 8/9 − 1/3 = 5/9. The worksheet is also available digitally through Wayground.
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Worksheets
Subtracting Fractions with unlike denominators
Total questions: 20
Name
Class
Date
1.
5/6 - 1/7
a)
29/42
b)
28/42
c)
4/42
2.
4/5 - 2/3
a)
3/15
b)
2/2
c)
2/15
3.
7/8 - 3/4
a)
2/8
b)
4/8
c)
1/8
4.
What is 8/9 - 5/6?
a)
1/18
b)
3/4
c)
6/7
5.
2/3 - 1/2
a)
1/6
b)
1/5
c)
5/6
6.
7/8 - 1/6 =
a)
17/24
b)
15/18
c)
12/24
7.
8/9 - 1/3 =
a)
7/6
b)
5/9
c)
2/3
8.
4/5 - 1/20 (make sure to simplify)
a)
3/4
b)
20/15
c)
3/15
9.
What is 9/10 - 3/4?
a)
5/7
b)
3/20
c)
3/8
10.
When the denominators are not the same, I must find a...
a)
common numerator
b)
common denominator
c)
equivalent fraction
d)
mixed number
11.
2019−103=
a)
2015
b)
2022
c)
2013
d)
1016
12.
43−102=
a)
2011
b)
109
c)
2411
d)
49
13.
98−65=
a)
184
b)
181
c)
183
14.
Simplify124
a)
2/6
b)
1/3
c)
1/6
d)
1/4
15.
53−62
a)
0
b)
31
c)
301
d)
154
16.
8/9 - 1/3 =
a)
7/6
b)
5/9
c)
2/3
d)
8/27
17.
Solve:
53−103
a)
3/10
b)
4/10
c)
5/10
d)
0/5
18.
What is Ms. Holmes' favorite superhero?
a)
spiderman
b)
the amazing spiderman
c)
the ultimate spiderman
d)
Mrs. Jones
19.
What is the best day of the school week?
a)
Friday Funday!
b)
Monday :(
20.
Who is Ms. Holmes' best friend?
a)
Jheri
b)
Caroline
c)
Madi
d)
Jessica?
Answer Key
Subtracting Fractions with unlike denominators
Total questions: 20
1.
a)
29/42
2.
c)
2/15
3.
c)
1/8
4.
a)
1/18
5.
a)
1/6
6.
a) 17/24
7.
b)
5/9
8.
a)
3/4
9.
b)
3/20
10.
b)
common denominator
11.
c)
2013
12.
a)
2011
13.
b)
181
14.
b)
1/3
15.
d)
154
16.
b) 5/9
17.
a)
3/10
18.
a)
spiderman
, b)
the amazing spiderman
, c)
the ultimate spiderman
, d)
Mrs. Jones
19.
a)
Friday Funday!
20.
a)
Jheri
, b)
Caroline
, c)
Madi
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FAQs
What does this worksheet cover?
This Grade 5 worksheet focuses on subtracting fractions with unlike denominators in multiple-choice and multiple-select formats. Students practice finding a common denominator, rewriting fractions as equivalent fractions, subtracting the numerators, and simplifying answers, as in 4/5 − 1/20 = 3/4.
How can I use this worksheet to teach subtracting fractions with unlike denominators?
Model one item by listing multiples of both denominators, choosing a common denominator, rewriting each fraction, and then subtracting. Next, have students explain why an answer such as 2/15 is correct for 4/5 − 2/3, using the answer choices to compare correct and incorrect strategies before assigning the remaining items for guided or independent practice.
What mistakes should I watch for when students complete this worksheet?
Watch for students subtracting the original numerators and denominators directly, rather than first creating equivalent fractions with a common denominator. They may also choose an unsimplified result, such as 2/6 instead of 1/3, or fail to recognize that 1/3 must be rewritten as 3/9 when solving 8/9 − 1/3.
How do I assign and grade this worksheet?
Wayground provides this worksheet as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz, and it includes a complete answer key. You can grade digital responses in Wayground or scan students’ printable work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable version can also support instruction in settings that are reducing screen time.
How can I differentiate this worksheet for my students?
In the worksheet’s Advanced Settings, adjust font spacing or increase the font size to make the fraction expressions and answer choices easier to read. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language while students work through the unlike-denominator subtraction items.
Where can I find more worksheets like this on Wayground?
Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to support essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.
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