What is 3/12 - 5/12?

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

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

3 − 5 = -2

So the answer is:

Step 2

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:

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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