Solve 1/4-1/2-1/3

$$\frac { 1 } { 4 } - \frac { 1 } { 2 } - \frac { 1 } { 3 }$$

Evaluate

$$-\frac{7}{12}\approx -0.583333333$$

Solution Steps

Least common multiple of 4 and 2 is 4. Convert \frac{1}{4} and \frac{1}{2} to fractions with denominator 4.

$$\frac{1}{4}-\frac{2}{4}-\frac{1}{3}$$

Since \frac{1}{4} and \frac{2}{4} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{1-2}{4}-\frac{1}{3}$$

Subtract 2 from 1 to get -1.

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

Least common multiple of 4 and 3 is 12. Convert -\frac{1}{4} and \frac{1}{3} to fractions with denominator 12.

$$-\frac{3}{12}-\frac{4}{12}$$

Since -\frac{3}{12} and \frac{4}{12} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{-3-4}{12}$$

Subtract 4 from -3 to get -7.

$$-\frac{7}{12}$$

Factor

$$-\frac{7}{12} = -0.5833333333333334$$