math help

What is 2/4 - 4/11?

What is 2/4 - 4/11?

Here's how to subtract 4/11 from 2/4:

2
4
4
11

Step 1

We can't subtract two fractions with different denominators. So you need to get a common denominator. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 2 by 11, and get 22.

Then we multiply 4 by 4, and get 16.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 4 × 11 = 44.

So now our fractions look like this:

22
44
16
44

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

22 − 16 = 6

So the answer is:

6
44

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

6
44
÷ 2 =
3
22

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! The final answer is:
2
4
4
11
=
3
22