math help

What is 88/15 - 4/6?

What is 88/15 - 4/6?

Here's how to subtract 4/6 from 88/15:

88
15
4
6

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 88 by 6, and get 528.

Then we multiply 4 by 15, and get 60.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 15 × 6 = 90.

So now our fractions look like this:

528
90
60
90

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

528 − 60 = 468

So the answer is:

468
90

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:

468
90
÷ 2 =
234
45

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:

234
45
÷ 3 =
78
15

Let's try dividing by 3 again...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

78
15
÷ 3 =
26
5

Let's try dividing by 3 again...

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

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

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! The final answer is:
88
15
4
6
=
26
5