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

15075 Views

See similar Maths KS3 tutors

Related Maths KS3 answers

All answers ▸

Asha and Lucy sell pencils. Asha sold 7 boxes, and 22 singles. Lucy sold 5 boxes, and 2 singles. Given Asha sells twice as many pencils as Lucy, work out how many questions are in each box.


I'm really bad at non-calculator questions - how can I get better at calculations?


What is the Pythagoras’ theorem and how can it be used to work out the distance between two points?


Expand and simplify (3x + 5)(2x - 4)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning