Answer:
Here's how to subtract 6/12 from 3/4:
3
4
−
6
12
Step 1
We can't subtract two fractions with different denominators. So you need to get a common denominator. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.
So we multiply 3 by 12, and get 36.
Then we multiply 6 by 4, and get 24.
Next we give both terms new denominators -- 4 × 12 = 48.
So now our fractions look like this:
36
48
−
24
48
Step 2
Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.
36 − 24 = 12
So the answer is:
12
48
Step 3
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...
Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
12
48
÷ 2 =
6
24
Let's try dividing by 2 again...
Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
6
24
÷ 2 =
3
12
Let's try dividing by 2 again...
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:
3
12
÷ 3 =
1
4
Let's try dividing by 3 again...
No good. 3 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.
There you have it! The final answer is:
3
4
−
6
12
=
1
4
Explanation: