Solve the Fraction Problem: 11/12 - 1/3 - 1/6

Fraction Subtraction with Mixed Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

11121316=? \frac{11}{12}-\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Let's start by solving this problem.
00:11 Our goal is to find the least common denominator.
00:15 We'll multiply four and two to find a common denominator. Let's do it together!
00:21 Remember, multiply both the top and bottom numbers. This keeps the fraction balanced.
00:29 Now, let's calculate these multiplications step by step.
00:36 Subtract the numbers under the same denominator. Almost there!
00:42 Next, we calculate the numerator. You're doing great!
00:50 And there we have it! That's the solution to our question. Well done!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

11121316=? \frac{11}{12}-\frac{1}{3}-\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve 11121316 \frac{11}{12} - \frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{6} , we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD
  • Step 3: Perform the subtraction

Now, let's work through these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators are 12, 3, and 6. The least common denominator is 12.

Step 2: Convert each fraction
- The fraction 1112 \frac{11}{12} already has a denominator of 12.
- Convert 13 \frac{1}{3} to a denominator of 12: 13=1×43×4=412 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{4}{12} .
- Convert 16 \frac{1}{6} to a denominator of 12: 16=1×26×2=212 \frac{1}{6} = \frac{1 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{2}{12} .

Step 3: Perform the subtraction
Now that the fractions have the same denominator, subtract the numerators:
1112412212=114212=512 \frac{11}{12} - \frac{4}{12} - \frac{2}{12} = \frac{11 - 4 - 2}{12} = \frac{5}{12} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 512 \frac{5}{12} .

3

Final Answer

512 \frac{5}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find least common denominator before subtracting fractions
  • Technique: Convert 13 \frac{1}{3} to 412 \frac{4}{12} and 16 \frac{1}{6} to 212 \frac{2}{12}
  • Check: Verify 512+13+16=1112 \frac{5}{12} + \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{6} = \frac{11}{12}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting denominators along with numerators
    Don't subtract 11-1-1 in numerators AND 12-3-6 in denominators = 93 \frac{9}{3} ! This completely ignores how fractions work. Always find the LCD first, convert all fractions to equivalent fractions with the same denominator, then subtract only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just subtract the numerators and denominators separately?

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Because fractions represent parts of a whole! 13 \frac{1}{3} means 1 out of 3 equal parts, while 16 \frac{1}{6} means 1 out of 6 equal parts. You need the same-sized pieces (same denominator) to subtract properly.

How do I find the LCD of 12, 3, and 6?

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List the multiples of each number: 12 (12, 24, 36...), 3 (3, 6, 9, 12...), 6 (6, 12, 18...). The smallest number that appears in all lists is 12, so that's your LCD!

What if my final answer can be simplified?

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Always check if you can simplify! Look for common factors in the numerator and denominator. Since 512 \frac{5}{12} has no common factors besides 1, it's already in simplest form.

Can I work from left to right instead?

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Yes, but be careful! You could solve 111213 \frac{11}{12} - \frac{1}{3} first, then subtract 16 \frac{1}{6} . Just make sure to use the LCD at each step to avoid errors.

Why is my answer different when I convert to decimals?

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Decimal conversion can introduce rounding errors! For exact answers, always work with fractions. You can convert your final fraction answer to a decimal to check: 5120.417 \frac{5}{12} ≈ 0.417 .

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