Subtracting fractions involves finding a common denominator and then subtracting the numerators. The steps to subtract two fractions are as follows:

1. Find a common denominator: Find a common multiple of the denominators of the two fractions. This will be the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
2. Convert the fractions: Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator. To do this, multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the appropriate factor so that the denominators are the same.
3. Subtract the numerators: Once the fractions have a common denominator, subtract the numerators and write the result over the common denominator.
4. Simplify: Simplify the resulting fraction, if necessary, by reducing it to lowest terms.

For example, let’s subtract 1/3 from 2/5:

Step 1: Find a common denominator

The LCM of 3 and 5 is 15.

Step 2: Convert the fractions

Rewrite 1/3 as 5/15 and 2/5 as 6/15.

Step 3: Subtract the numerators

6/15 – 5/15 = 1/15

Step 4: Simplify

The result, 1/15, is already in lowest terms, so we’re done. Therefore, 2/5 – 1/3 = 1/15.