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

16343 Views

See similar Maths KS3 tutors

Related Maths KS3 answers

All answers ▸

What is 3+4*5


A restaurant can be hired out for children's parties, and the cost is shown by the formula "Cost = (£13.50 x number of children) + £23". What is the cost for 8 children?


Bob buys 33 pens and 21 rulers for £6. A ruler costs 8 pence more than a pen. How much does one pen cost?


A piece of wire is 240cm long. Peter cuts two 45 cm lengths off the wire. He then cuts the rest of the wire into as many 40cm length as possible. How many wires of 40cm can be cut?