Evaluating the Expression: 1/4 - 2/3 × 12
In this article, we will evaluate the expression 1/4 - 2/3 × 12 step by step.
Step 1: Evaluate the Multiplication
First, let's evaluate the multiplication operation:
2/3 × 12
To multiply a fraction by a whole number, we can multiply the numerator (2) by the whole number (12) and keep the denominator (3) the same:
2 × 12 = 24
So, 2/3 × 12 = 24/3.
Step 2: Simplify the Fraction
Now, let's simplify the fraction 24/3:
24 ÷ 3 = 8
So, 24/3 = 8.
Step 3: Evaluate the Subtraction
Now, let's evaluate the subtraction operation:
1/4 - 8
To subtract 8 from 1/4, we need to convert 8 to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 4:
8 = 32/4
Now, we can subtract:
1/4 - 32/4 = -31/4
Therefore, the final answer is -31/4.
