7/12 - 2/9
Understand the Problem
The question involves performing a mathematical operation on two fractions, specifically subtraction. We need to find the result of subtracting the fraction 2/9 from 7/12.
Answer
The result is \( \frac{13}{36} \).
Answer for screen readers
The result of ( \frac{7}{12} - \frac{2}{9} ) is ( \frac{13}{36} ).
Steps to Solve
- Find a common denominator
To subtract fractions, we need a common denominator. The denominators here are 12 and 9. The least common multiple (LCM) of 12 and 9 is 36.
- Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator
Next, we convert each fraction to have a denominator of 36.
For $ \frac{7}{12} $: $$ \frac{7}{12} = \frac{7 \times 3}{12 \times 3} = \frac{21}{36} $$
For $ \frac{2}{9} $: $$ \frac{2}{9} = \frac{2 \times 4}{9 \times 4} = \frac{8}{36} $$
- Subtract the fractions
Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can subtract them: $$ \frac{21}{36} - \frac{8}{36} = \frac{21 - 8}{36} = \frac{13}{36} $$
The result of ( \frac{7}{12} - \frac{2}{9} ) is ( \frac{13}{36} ).
More Information
The process of subtracting fractions involves finding a common denominator, which allows for direct subtraction of numerators. The fraction ( \frac{13}{36} ) cannot be simplified further since 13 is a prime number and does not divide evenly into 36.
Tips
- Forgetting to find a common denominator before performing the subtraction.
- Not simplifying the fraction when possible; ensure the result is in the simplest form.
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