12 and 5 6ths minus 8and one fourth?

Answer 1

12 and 5/6 - 8 and 1/4

To solve this problem, subtract the whole numbers first.

12 - 8 = 4.

Now we can work on the nasty little fractions!

5/6 - 1/4. In order to add or subtract fractions, we need to have a common denominator, that is, the same number on the bottom of BOTH fractions.

6 and 4 aren't the same, so we'll need to multiply and find a number that is the same.

Are there any numbers both 6 and 4 can go into evenly? Don't pick a large number, start small.

Well, 6 can go into 12 evenly. and 4 can also go into 12 evenly!

OK, how many times does 6 go into 12? 2 times. We need to multiply 5/6 * 2/2 to get a 12 on the bottom. 5/6 * 2/2 = 10/12 (try reducing this fraction, see if 10/12 = 5/6)

How many times will 4 go into 12? 3 times, that's right.

Now multiply 1/4 * 3/3 = 3/12 (reduce 3/12 to lowest terms to check)

So, since 5/6 = 10/12 and 1/4 = 3/12 --> 10/12 - 3/12

When adding or subtraction fractions, the bottom has to be the same. (Check!)

Add or subtract fraction top numbers ONLY! Keep the same bottom number.

10/12 - 3/12 = 7/12.

Combine this with the whole number we calculated earlier and we get:

12 and 5/6 - 8 and 1/4 = 4 and 7/12