Solve Fraction Subtraction: 3/4 minus 5/12 Step-by-Step

Fraction Subtraction with Common Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

34512=? \frac{3}{4}-\frac{5}{12}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Multiply by 3 to find the common denominator
00:06 Make sure to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:15 Calculate the multiplications
00:20 Subtract with the common denominator
00:27 Calculate the numerator
00:31 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:34 Make sure to divide both numerator and denominator
00:40 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

34512=? \frac{3}{4}-\frac{5}{12}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem 34512 \frac{3}{4} - \frac{5}{12} , we need to subtract two fractions with different denominators. Let's follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the least common denominator (LCD) of the two fractions. Here, the denominators are 4 and 12. The least common multiple of 4 and 12 is 12.
  • Step 2: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12. To do this, we multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 3:
    34=3×34×3=912 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{9}{12}
  • Step 3: Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can subtract the numerators:
    912512=9512=412 \frac{9}{12} - \frac{5}{12} = \frac{9 - 5}{12} = \frac{4}{12}
  • Step 4: Simplify the fraction 412 \frac{4}{12} by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 4:
    412=4÷412÷4=13 \frac{4}{12} = \frac{4 \div 4}{12 \div 4} = \frac{1}{3}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 13 \frac{1}{3} .

3

Final Answer

13 \frac{1}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • LCD Rule: Find common denominator before subtracting fractions
  • Technique: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to 912 \frac{9}{12} by multiplying by 3
  • Check: Verify 13 \frac{1}{3} is in simplest form (GCD of 1 and 3 is 1) ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators instead of keeping them the same
    Don't subtract 4 - 12 in the denominators = wrong structure! This creates meaningless results like 9/-8. Always keep the common denominator and only subtract the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

\( \frac{8}{5}-\frac{4}{5}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract 3/4 - 5/12 directly?

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You need the same denominator to subtract fractions! Think of it like subtracting different units - you can't subtract 3 apples from 5 oranges without converting them to the same unit first.

How do I know 12 is the LCD of 4 and 12?

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The LCD is the smallest number both denominators divide into evenly. Since 12 ÷ 4 = 3 and 12 ÷ 12 = 1, and 12 is the smaller denominator, 12 is our LCD!

What if I forget to simplify my answer?

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Always check if you can reduce your fraction further! 412 \frac{4}{12} can be simplified to 13 \frac{1}{3} by dividing both parts by 4. Simplified answers are cleaner and easier to work with.

Can I use a different common denominator besides 12?

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Yes, but it makes more work! You could use 24, 36, etc., but the LCD gives the simplest calculation. Using larger denominators means bigger numbers and more simplifying later.

What if my answer comes out negative?

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That's normal when the second fraction is larger! For example, 212712=512 \frac{2}{12} - \frac{7}{12} = -\frac{5}{12} . Just remember to keep the negative sign with your final answer.

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