Solve the Fraction Expression: 3/6 - 2/4 + 1/12

Fraction Operations with Mixed Addition and Subtraction

3624+112= \frac{3}{6}-\frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{12}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solution
00:03 We want to find the least common denominator
00:06 Let's multiply the fractions by 3 and 3 respectively to get a common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:20 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:36 Subtracting a number from itself always equals 0
00:45 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

3624+112= \frac{3}{6}-\frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{12}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Simplify each fraction.

  • Identify the least common denominator (LCD).

  • Convert each fraction to have this common denominator.

  • Perform the addition and subtraction.

  • Simplify the final result.

Let's work through each step:
Step 1: Simplify each fraction.
- 36\frac{3}{6} simplifies to 12\frac{1}{2} because both the numerator and denominator are divisible by 3.
- 24\frac{2}{4} simplifies to 12\frac{1}{2} because both the numerator and denominator are divisible by 2.
- 112\frac{1}{12} is already in its simplest form.

Step 2: Identify the least common denominator (LCD).
- The denominators now are 2, 2, and 12. The LCD of 2 and 12 is 12.

Step 3: Convert each fraction to have this common denominator.
- 12=612\frac{1}{2} = \frac{6}{12} (since 1×6=61 \times 6 = 6 and 2×6=122 \times 6 = 12)
- 12=612\frac{1}{2} = \frac{6}{12} (similarly converted)
- 112=112\frac{1}{12} = \frac{1}{12} (already has the denominator 12)

Step 4: Perform the addition and subtraction:
612612+112=66+112=112\frac{6}{12} - \frac{6}{12} + \frac{1}{12} = \frac{6 - 6 + 1}{12} = \frac{1}{12}

Step 5: Simplify the final result:
The result 112\frac{1}{12} is already in its simplest form.

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

3

Final Answer

112 \frac{1}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Always simplify fractions before finding common denominators
  • Technique: Convert 12 \frac{1}{2} to 612 \frac{6}{12} when LCD is 12
  • Check: Verify 612612+112=112 \frac{6}{12} - \frac{6}{12} + \frac{1}{12} = \frac{1}{12} by adding numerators ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators instead of finding LCD
    Don't add 6 + 4 + 12 = 22 as the denominator = 622 \frac{6}{22} ! This gives completely wrong results because you can't add fractions with different denominators directly. Always find the LCD first, then convert all fractions to equivalent fractions with that common denominator.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following exercise:

\( \frac{3}{4}:\frac{5}{6}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to simplify fractions first?

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Simplifying first makes finding the LCD easier! For example, 36 \frac{3}{6} becomes 12 \frac{1}{2} , so you only need LCD of 2 and 12, not 6, 4, and 12.

What's the fastest way to find the LCD of 2, 2, and 12?

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Look for the largest denominator first - that's 12. Check if 12 is divisible by the other denominators (2 and 2). Since 12 ÷ 2 = 6, the LCD is 12!

How do I convert fractions to have the same denominator?

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Multiply both numerator and denominator by the same number. For 12 \frac{1}{2} to get denominator 12: multiply by 6 to get 612 \frac{6}{12} .

Can the answer be negative?

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Absolutely! If you're subtracting larger fractions from smaller ones, you'll get negative results. Just follow the same steps and keep track of your positive and negative signs.

What if my final fraction can be simplified further?

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Always check if you can reduce your answer! Find the greatest common factor of numerator and denominator, then divide both by it. In this case, 112 \frac{1}{12} is already simplified.

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