math help

What is 6/12 - 2/7?

What is 6/12 - 2/7?

Here's how to subtract 2/7 from 6/12:

6
12
2
7

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 6 by 7, and get 42.

Then we multiply 2 by 12, and get 24.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 12 × 7 = 84.

So now our fractions look like this:

42
84
24
84

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

42 − 24 = 18

So the answer is:

18
84

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:

18
84
÷ 2 =
9
42

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

9
42
÷ 3 =
3
14

Let's try dividing by 3 again...

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:
6
12
2
7
=
3
14