math help

What is 4/9 - 4/12?

What is 4/9 - 4/12?

Here's how to subtract 4/12 from 4/9:

4
9
4
12

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 12, and get 48.

Then we multiply 4 by 9, and get 36.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 9 × 12 = 108.

So now our fractions look like this:

48
108
36
108

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

48 − 36 = 12

So the answer is:

12
108

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:

12
108
÷ 2 =
6
54

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

6
54
÷ 2 =
3
27

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:

3
27
÷ 3 =
1
9

Let's try dividing by 3 again...

No good. 3 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! The final answer is:
4
9
4
12
=
1
9