Simplifying Fractions: 11/12 - 3/4
When dealing with fractions, it's essential to understand how to simplify them to make calculations easier and more efficient. In this article, we'll explore how to simplify the expression 11/12 - 3/4.
Understanding the Expression
The expression 11/12 - 3/4 involves the subtraction of two fractions. To simplify this expression, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) and perform the subtraction first.
Step 1: Convert to a Common Denominator
To subtract fractions, we need to ensure they have a common denominator. In this case, the least common multiple (LCM) of 12 and 4 is 12. We can convert 3/4 to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12:
3/4 = 9/12
Now, we can rewrite the expression with a common denominator:
11/12 - 9/12
Step 2: Subtract the Fractions
Next, we subtract the fractions:
11/12 - 9/12 = 2/12
Step 3: Simplify the Result
We can simplify the resulting fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 2:
2/12 = 1/6
Therefore, the simplified form of the expression 11/12 - 3/4 is:
1/6
By following these steps, we've successfully simplified the expression 11/12 - 3/4 to its simplest form.