Step-by-step explanation:
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 5 by 4, and get 20.
Next we give both terms new denominators -- 4 × 12 = 48.
So now our fractions look like this:
36/ 48 − 20 /48
Step 2
Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.
36 − 20 = 16
So the answer is: 16 /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:
16 /48 ÷ 2 = 8 /24
Let's try dividing by 2 again...
Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
8 /24 ÷ 2 =4 /12
Let's try dividing by 2 again...
Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
4 /12 ÷ 2 =2 /6
Let's try dividing by 2 again...
Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
2 /6 ÷ 2 = 1 /3
Let's try dividing by 2 again...
No good. 2 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.
There you have it! The final answer is:
3 /4 − 5 /12 =1 /3
