Work out 2/3 - 1/4

numerator/denominator
First we need to find the common denominator (a number that can be divided by both 3 and 4)
3 x 4 = 12 (so our new, common, denominator is 12)
Whatever we do to the bottom of a fraction (the denominator) we must also do to the top
For 2/3 we multiplied 3 (the denominator) x 4 to get the new common denominator (12) and so we also need to multiply the numerator (2) by 4
2/3 = 8/12
For 1/4 we multiplied 4 (the denominator) x 3 to get the new common denominator (12) and so we also need to multiply the numerator (1) by 3
1/4 = 3/12
So our new problem is 8/12 - 3/12
Working across the numerators we do our subtraction problem, but the denominator will remain the same
8/12 - 3/12 = 5/12 (this is the final answer as this fraction cannot be simplified any further)

Answered by Maths tutor

15396 Views

See similar Maths KS3 tutors

Related Maths KS3 answers

All answers ▸

You have 2 fair dice with 6 sides and you roll them both, what's the probability that the sum of rolled numbers will be 11?


This rectangle is twice as long as it is wide. The perimeter of the rectangle is 30cm. What is the area?


Expand and simplify (3x + 5)(2x - 4)


Line L1 is y = 4x + 5, line L2 is 4y - 16x -2 = 0. Show that the lines are parallel to each other


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning