3 1/3 - 1 3/4 =
3 4/12 - 1 9/12
IE. 4/12 < 9/12
2 + 1 + 1/3 - 1 3/4 = 2 + 12/12 + 4/12 - 1 9/12 = 1 7/12
Please somebody explain these steps.
To add or subtract fractions, they must have the same denominator. The fraction that is being subtracted must be smaller
than the other fraction.
Given: 3 1/3 - 1 3/4
Step 1. Find a common denominator:
3 4/12 - 1 9/12
Step 2. Subtract 1(1=12/12) from 3 and
add it to 4/12:
2 16/12 - 1 9/12
Step 3. Subtract the fractions:
1 7/12.
NOTE: 3 4/12 = 2 16/12. Therefore, the
value of the fraction has not been changed.