What is 25/36 - 8/11?

Here's how to subtract 8/11 from 25/36:

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 25 by 11, and get 275.

Then we multiply 8 by 36, and get 288.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 36 × 11 = 396.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

275 − 288 = -13

So the answer is:

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...

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

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

No good. 17 is larger than -13. So we're done reducing.