1. Find a common denominator for the two fractions.

2. Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator.

3. Subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator.

Here is an example:

Subtract \( \frac{1} {2} - \frac{1}{3} \).

1. Find a common denominator.

The common denominator is 6, since it is the least common multiple of 2 and 3.

2. Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator.

\( \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3} {6} \)

\( \frac{1}{3} = \frac{2} {6} \)

3. Subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator.

\( \frac{3}{6} - \frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{6} \)

Therefore, \(\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{6}\)