math help

What is 4/6 - 6/11?

What is 4/6 - 6/11?

Here's how to subtract 6/11 from 4/6:

4
6
6
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 4 by 11, and get 44.

Then we multiply 6 by 6, and get 36.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 6 × 11 = 66.

So now our fractions look like this:

44
66
36
66

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

44 − 36 = 8

So the answer is:

8
66

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:

8
66
÷ 2 =
4
33

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 4. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! The final answer is:
4
6
6
11
=
4
33