Here's how to subtract 1/4 from 1/3:13−14
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 1 by 4, and get 4.Then we multiply 1 by 3, and get 3.Next we give both terms new denominators -- 3 × 4 = 12.So now our fractions look like this:412−312
Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.4 − 3 = 1 So the answer is:112
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...No good. 2 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.There you have it! The final answer is:13−14=1 1/2
