Pre-Algebra Examples

$\frac{1}{6} - \frac{5}{12}$

Step 1

To write $\frac{1}{6}$ as a fraction with a common denominator, multiply by $\frac{2}{2}$ .

$\frac{1}{6} \cdot \frac{2}{2} - \frac{5}{12}$

Step 2

Write each expression with a common denominator of $12$ , by multiplying each by an appropriate factor of $1$ .

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Step 2.1

Multiply $\frac{1}{6}$ by $\frac{2}{2}$ .

$\frac{2}{6 \cdot 2} - \frac{5}{12}$

Step 2.2

Multiply $6$ by $2$ .

$\frac{2}{12} - \frac{5}{12}$

Step 3

Simplify the expression.

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Step 3.1

Combine the numerators over the common denominator.

$\frac{2 - 5}{12}$

Step 3.2

Subtract $5$ from $2$ .

$\frac{- 3}{12}$

Step 4

Cancel the common factor of $- 3$ and $12$ .

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Step 4.1

Factor $3$ out of $- 3$ .

$\frac{3 (- 1)}{12}$

Step 4.2

Cancel the common factors.

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Step 4.2.1

Factor $3$ out of $12$ .

$\frac{3 \cdot - 1}{3 \cdot 4}$

Step 4.2.2

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{3 \cdot - 1}{3 \cdot 4}$

Step 4.2.3

Rewrite the expression.

$\frac{- 1}{4}$

Step 5

Move the negative in front of the fraction.

$- \frac{1}{4}$

Step 6

The result can be shown in multiple forms.

Exact Form:

$- \frac{1}{4}$

Decimal Form:

$- 0.25$