math help

What is 5/12 - 9/12?

What is 5/12 - 9/12?

Here's how to subtract 9/12 from 5/12:

5
12
9
12

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

5 − 9 = -4

So the answer is:

-4
12

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:

-4
12
÷ 2 =
-2
6

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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

-2
6
÷ 2 =
-1
3

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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

There you have it! The final answer is:
5
12
9
12
=
1
3