how to 11/12-1/6

Question

how to solve the fraction 11/12-1/6

Answer 1

(11/12) - (1/6)

 

To add or subtract fractions, you must put them over a common denominator.  Finding the common denominator requires that you find the Least Common Multiple of the denominators, in this case 6 and 12:

 

6*1=6, 6*2=12, ...

 

12*1=12, 12*2=24, ...

 

The LCM is 12.  So we have to multiply the 1/6 by 2/2 to convert it to twelfths:

 

(11/12) - (1*2/6*2) = 11/12 - 2/12 = 9/12.  Now 9/12 = 3*3/3*4 = 3/4

Answer 2

You cannot subtract the fractions the way they are initially set up, because the denominators are not equal. Therefore find the least common denominator which equals the least common multiple of 12 and 6. Solve using prime factorization.

 

12= 12*1= 6*2*1= 2*3*2*1

  6= 6*1=2*3*1

 

The least common multiple is 2*2*3= 12, as bolded and underlined above. Use 12 as the least common denominator.

 

 

11/12 - 1/6:   For the first fraction-divide 12 by 12 to get 1. Multiply 11*1= 11 

                     For the second fraction-divide 12 by 6 to get 2. Multiply 1*2=2

 

The new fractions can then be subtracted.

 

 

11/12  -  2/12  = 9/12

 

Reduce answer by dividing the numerator and denominator by 3.

 

                          3/4 Final Answer