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What is 63/58 - 2/4?

What is 63/58 - 2/4?

Here's how to subtract 2/4 from 63/58:

63
58
2
4

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 63 by 4, and get 252.

Then we multiply 2 by 58, and get 116.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 58 × 4 = 232.

So now our fractions look like this:

252
232
116
232

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

252 − 116 = 136

So the answer is:

136
232

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:

136
232
÷ 2 =
68
116

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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

68
116
÷ 2 =
34
58

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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

34
58
÷ 2 =
17
29

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...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

No good. 19 is larger than 17. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! The final answer is:
63
58
2
4
=
17
29