What is 4/9 - 7/9?

Here's how to subtract 7/9 from 4/9:

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

4 − 7 = -3

So the answer is:

Step 2

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

Let's try dividing by 3 again...

No good. 3 is larger than -1. So we're done reducing.