Question

What is 3/14 minus 3/7 in simplest form

Answer 1

Step 1. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of
`(3)/(14) , (3)/(7)`

Method 1: By Listing MultiplesList out all multiples of each denominator, and find the first common one.

Multiples of 14 : 14,......

Multiples of 7 : 7, 14, ......

Therefore, the LCD is 14.

Method 2: By Prime FactorsList all prime factors of each denominator, and find the union of these primes.

Prime Factors of 14 : 2, 7

Prime Factors of 7 : 7

Therefore, the LCD is
`2*7=14`

LCD = 14

Step 2. Make the denominators the same as the LCD


`(3)/(14) - (3*2)/(7*2)`

Step 3. Simplify. Denominators are now the same


`(3)/(14) - (6)/(14)`

Step 4. Join the denominators


`(3-6)/(14)`

Step 5. Simplify


`- (3)/(14)`

Done!

Decimal Form If Needed: -0.214286