Solve 5/12-8/3

$$\frac { 5 } { 12 } - \frac { 8 } { 3 }$$

Evaluate

$$-\frac{9}{4}=-2.25$$

Solution Steps

Least common multiple of 12 and 3 is 12. Convert \frac{5}{12} and \frac{8}{3} to fractions with denominator 12.

$$\frac{5}{12}-\frac{32}{12}$$

Since \frac{5}{12} and \frac{32}{12} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{5-32}{12}$$

Subtract 32 from 5 to get -27.

$$\frac{-27}{12}$$

Reduce the fraction \frac{-27}{12} to lowest terms by extracting and canceling out 3.

$$-\frac{9}{4}$$

Factor

$$-\frac{9}{4} = -2\frac{1}{4} = -2.25$$