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

Fraction Operations with Different Denominators

36+24112= \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 We'll multiply the fractions by 2 and 3 respectively to get a common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:26 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:37 Add under the common denominator
00:43 Calculate the numerator
00:48 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

36+24112= \frac{3}{6}+\frac{2}{4}-\frac{1}{12}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert each fraction to have a common denominator.
  • Step 2: Add and subtract the fractions.
  • Step 3: Simplify the result.

Let's work through these steps:

Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of the fractions involved. The denominators are 6, 4, and 12. The LCM of these numbers is 12, so the LCD is 12.

Convert each fraction to this common denominator:

  • 36 \frac{3}{6} becomes 3×26×2=612\frac{3 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{6}{12}
  • 24 \frac{2}{4} becomes 2×34×3=612\frac{2 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{6}{12}
  • 112 remains 112 \frac{1}{12} \text{ remains } \frac{1}{12}

Step 2: Perform the operations using these equivalent fractions: 612+612112=6+6112=1112 \frac{6}{12} + \frac{6}{12} - \frac{1}{12} = \frac{6 + 6 - 1}{12} = \frac{11}{12}

Step 3: Check if the result can be simplified further. In this case, 1112 \frac{11}{12} is already in simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1112 \frac{11}{12} .

3

Final Answer

1112 \frac{11}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find LCD first, then convert all fractions to equivalent forms
  • Technique: Convert 36 \frac{3}{6} to 612 \frac{6}{12} by multiplying by 22 \frac{2}{2}
  • Check: Verify 612+612112=1112 \frac{6}{12} + \frac{6}{12} - \frac{1}{12} = \frac{11}{12} cannot simplify further ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators together instead of finding LCD
    Don't add 6 + 4 + 12 = 22 as your denominator! This creates meaningless fractions like 522 \frac{5}{22} instead of the correct 1112 \frac{11}{12} . Always find the LCD (12) and convert each fraction to equivalent forms with that 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

How do I find the LCD of 6, 4, and 12?

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List the multiples of each number: 6 (6, 12, 18...), 4 (4, 8, 12, 16...), 12 (12, 24...). The smallest number that appears in all lists is 12, so that's your LCD!

Why does 3/6 become 6/12 and not something else?

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To convert 36 \frac{3}{6} to denominator 12, ask: "What times 6 equals 12?" The answer is 2. So multiply both numerator and denominator by 2: 3×26×2=612 \frac{3 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{6}{12}

Can I simplify 3/6 and 2/4 before adding?

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Yes, you can! 36=12 \frac{3}{6} = \frac{1}{2} and 24=12 \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2} , but you'll still need a common denominator. Either method works - choose what feels easier!

How do I know if 11/12 can be simplified further?

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Check if 11 and 12 share any common factors. Since 11 is prime and doesn't divide 12, 11 and 12 have no common factors except 1. So 1112 \frac{11}{12} is already in simplest form!

What if I get a different LCD than 12?

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Double-check your work! The LCD must be divisible by all original denominators: 12 ÷ 6 = 2 ✓, 12 ÷ 4 = 3 ✓, 12 ÷ 12 = 1 ✓. If your number doesn't divide evenly, it's not the correct LCD.

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