What is 55/55 - 4/12?

Here's how to subtract 4/12 from 55/55:

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 55 by 12, and get 660.

Then we multiply 4 by 55, and get 220.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 55 × 12 = 660.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

660 − 220 = 440

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...

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

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

Let's try dividing by 5 again...

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

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 11? Yes! So we reduce it:

Let's try dividing by 11 again...

No good. 11 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.