Solve: 1/2 - 1/6 - 3/12 Fraction Subtraction Problem

Question

Solve the following exercise:

1216312=? \frac{1}{2}-\frac{1}{6}-\frac{3}{12}=\text{?}

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:06 Let's solve this problem together.
00:09 First, we need to find the least common denominator.
00:13 So, we'll multiply by 6, and by 2 respectively, to find that common denominator.
00:19 Remember, we must multiply both the numerator and the denominator. Let's do that now!
00:28 Now, let's calculate the multiplications.
00:34 Subtract the fractions under the common denominator.
00:38 Let's calculate the new numerator and find out the answer.
00:49 And there we have it! This is the solution to the question.

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we need to subtract three fractions: 1216312\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{6} - \frac{3}{12}.

First, let's find the least common denominator (LCD) for the fractions. The denominators are 2, 6, and 12. The smallest number that all these denominators divide evenly into is 12, so the LCD is 12.

Next, convert each fraction to have 12 as the denominator:

  • 12=1×62×6=612\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 6}{2 \times 6} = \frac{6}{12}
  • 16=1×26×2=212\frac{1}{6} = \frac{1 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{2}{12}
  • 312\frac{3}{12} is already with denominator 12

Now, perform the subtraction using these equivalent fractions:

612212312\frac{6}{12} - \frac{2}{12} - \frac{3}{12}

Subtract the fractions in sequence while keeping the common denominator:

612212=412\frac{6}{12} - \frac{2}{12} = \frac{4}{12}

Then, 412312=112\frac{4}{12} - \frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{12}

The fraction 112\frac{1}{12} is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 112\frac{1}{12}.

Answer

112 \frac{1}{12}