Simplifying Fractions: 3/4 - 5/12
In this article, we will learn how to simplify the fraction 3/4 - 5/12. Before we dive into the solution, let's review some basic concepts about fractions.
What are Fractions?
A fraction is a way to represent a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). The numerator tells us how many equal parts we have, and the denominator tells us how many parts the whole is divided into.
Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying fractions means reducing them to their simplest form. To do this, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator and divide both numbers by the GCD.
The Problem: 3/4 - 5/12
Now, let's look at the problem at hand: 3/4 - 5/12. To simplify this fraction, we need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Convert to a Common Denominator
The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 12 is 12. So, we can convert both fractions to have a denominator of 12:
3/4 = 9/12 5/12 = 5/12
Step 2: Subtract the Fractions
Now, we can subtract the fractions:
9/12 - 5/12 = 4/12
Step 3: Simplify the Fraction
The GCD of 4 and 12 is 4. So, we can simplify the fraction by dividing both numbers by 4:
4/12 = 1/3
The Solution
Therefore, the simplified fraction is:
3/4 - 5/12 = 1/3
By following these steps, we have successfully simplified the fraction 3/4 - 5/12 to its simplest form, which is 1/3.
