SOLUTION: what is 3/4 minus 1/3

Algebra ->  Proportions  -> Lessons -> SOLUTION: what is 3/4 minus 1/3      Log On


   

Question 277171: what is 3/4 minus 1/3
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, stanbon:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solved by pluggable solver: Fractions Solver


3%2F4-1%2F3 Start with the given expression




In order to subtract these two fractions, these fractions need to have a common denominator.


In order to do that, we simply find that the LCM of 4 and 3 is 12 (note: if you need help with finding the LCM, check out this solver)


Now we need to get each denominator to 12



%283%2F3%29%283%2F4%29-1%2F3 Multiply 3%2F4 by %283%2F3%29


9%2F12-1%2F3 Multiply 3%2F4 and %283%2F3%29 to get 9%2F12



9%2F12-%284%2F4%29%281%2F3%29 Multiply 1%2F3 by %284%2F4%29


9%2F12-4%2F12 Multiply 1%2F3 and %284%2F4%29 to get 4%2F12



Since both fractions have a common denominator of 12, we can now combine the fractions


%289-4%29%2F12 Combine the fractions


5%2F12 Subtract the numerators



So

3%2F4-1%2F3=5%2F12

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
what is 3/4 minus 1/3
--------------
Rewrite each fraction with lcd = 12 as its denominator:
-----
= 9/lcd - 4/lcd
---
= (9-4)/lcd
---
= 5/12
====================
Cheers,
Stan H.