Question

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.
Answer this Question

Answer 1

to combine thirds and fourths, you need a common denominator: 12

1/3 = 4/12
1/4 = 3/12, so 3/4 = 9/12

You can't subtract 49 from 4, so you need to borrow 12/12 from the 3.

After that, you just have
2 16/12 - 1 9/12
2-1 = 1
16-9 = 7