What is 7/12 - 3/12?

Here's how to subtract 3/12 from 7/12:

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

7 − 3 = 4

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...

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.