231k views
1 vote
Subtract.
3/4 - 6/12

1 Answer

1 vote

Answer:1/4

hope this helps

Step-by-step explanation: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

User Dan Lecocq
by
4.9k points