What is 32/1 - 5/11?

Here's how to subtract 5/11 from 32/1:

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 32 by 11, and get 352.

Then we multiply 5 by 1, and get 5.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 1 × 11 = 11.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

352 − 5 = 347

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...

No good. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.