Fraction Operations: 1/2 - 3/4 × 1/4
In this article, we will explore how to perform a specific fraction operation: 1/2 - 3/4 × 1/4. This operation involves subtraction and multiplication of fractions, which can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, you'll be able to solve it with ease.
Step 1: Multiply 3/4 and 1/4
To begin, let's multiply 3/4 and 1/4.
3/4 × 1/4 = ?
To multiply fractions, we need to multiply the numerators (numbers on top) and multiply the denominators (numbers at the bottom), then write the product as a new fraction.
(3 × 1) / (4 × 4) = 3/16
So, 3/4 × 1/4 = 3/16.
Step 2: Subtract 3/16 from 1/2
Now that we have the product of 3/4 and 1/4, we can subtract it from 1/2.
1/2 - 3/16 = ?
To subtract fractions, we need to find a common denominator. In this case, the least common multiple (LCM) of 2 and 16 is 16. So, we'll convert 1/2 to have a denominator of 16:
1/2 = 8/16
Now, we can subtract:
8/16 - 3/16 = 5/16
And that's our answer! 1/2 - 3/4 × 1/4 = 5/16.
Conclusion
In this article, we've learned how to perform a complex fraction operation involving subtraction and multiplication. By following the correct steps, we were able to find the solution to 1/2 - 3/4 × 1/4, which is 5/16. Remember to always follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) and to find common denominators when subtracting fractions.
