math help

What is 3/5 - 7/12?

What is 3/5 - 7/12?

Here's how to subtract 7/12 from 3/5:

3
5
7
12

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 3 by 12, and get 36.

Then we multiply 7 by 5, and get 35.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 5 × 12 = 60.

So now our fractions look like this:

36
60
35
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

36 − 35 = 1

So the answer is:

1
60

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...

No good. 2 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! The final answer is:
3
5
7
12
=
1
60