fraction word problem

Question

Sam had 7/12 of a bag of M & M's. His friend eat 1/8 of the M & M's. How much of his bag is left?

Answer 1

  Hi Kathy  ...lets give this a try...

 

         Sam has    7

                       ___

 

                        12

 

 

 Friend ate:          1

                       _____

                         8

 

 Now find the least (smallest number)  common denominator.

 

In our problem it is 24:...12 into 24 2 times  and 8 into 24 3 times

 

             7          = 14

           ___           ____

             12            24        

 

              1        =     3

            ___             ___

              8               24         Denominators must  be the same!

 

 

                                                  Now write the denominator of 24

                                                  Then SUBTRACT Numerators

     =                       11

                           _____       Left of candy

                             24                                                             

 

Good luck!