Simplifying the Fraction: 1/4 - 1/12
In this article, we will be simplifying the fraction 1/4 - 1/12. To do this, we need to find a common denominator between the two fractions and then subtract them.
Step 1: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM)
The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 12 is 12. Therefore, we need to convert both fractions to have a denominator of 12.
Step 2: Convert the Fractions
To convert 1/4 to have a denominator of 12, we can multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3, which gives us:
3/12
To convert 1/12 to have a denominator of 12, it is already in the correct form:
1/12
Step 3: Subtract the Fractions
Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can subtract them:
3/12 - 1/12 = 2/12
Step 4: Simplify the Fraction
We can simplify the fraction 2/12 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.
1/6
Therefore, the simplified fraction of 1/4 - 1/12 is 1/6.
