math help

What is 91/6 - 3/12?

What is 91/6 - 3/12?

Here's how to subtract 3/12 from 91/6:

91
6
3
12

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 91 by 12, and get 1092.

Then we multiply 3 by 6, and get 18.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 6 × 12 = 72.

So now our fractions look like this:

1092
72
18
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

1092 − 18 = 1074

So the answer is:

1074
72

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:

1074
72
÷ 2 =
537
36

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:

537
36
÷ 3 =
179
12

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...

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! The final answer is:
91
6
3
12
=
179
12