Work out 2/3 - 1/4

numerator/denominator
First we need to find the common denominator (a number that can be divided by both 3 and 4)
3 x 4 = 12 (so our new, common, denominator is 12)
Whatever we do to the bottom of a fraction (the denominator) we must also do to the top
For 2/3 we multiplied 3 (the denominator) x 4 to get the new common denominator (12) and so we also need to multiply the numerator (2) by 4
2/3 = 8/12
For 1/4 we multiplied 4 (the denominator) x 3 to get the new common denominator (12) and so we also need to multiply the numerator (1) by 3
1/4 = 3/12
So our new problem is 8/12 - 3/12
Working across the numerators we do our subtraction problem, but the denominator will remain the same
8/12 - 3/12 = 5/12 (this is the final answer as this fraction cannot be simplified any further)

Answered by Maths tutor

16430 Views

See similar Maths KS3 tutors

Related Maths KS3 answers

All answers ▸

(x+3)(x+2)


1) What is the area of a rectangle? 2) What is the area of a triangle?


This rectangle is twice as long as it is wide. The perimeter of the rectangle is 30cm. What is the area?


There are 12 counters in a bag. 1/2 are red, 1/3 of the remaining counters are blue. The rest are green. How many counters are green?