Solve 1/12-1/4=

$$\frac { 1 } { 12 } - \frac { 1 } { 4 } =$$

Evaluate

$$-\frac{1}{6}\approx -0.166666667$$

Solution Steps

Least common multiple of 12 and 4 is 12. Convert \frac{1}{12} and \frac{1}{4} to fractions with denominator 12.

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

Since \frac{1}{12} and \frac{3}{12} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

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

Subtract 3 from 1 to get -2.

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

Reduce the fraction \frac{-2}{12} to lowest terms by extracting and canceling out 2.

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

Factor

$$-\frac{1}{6} = -0.16666666666666666$$