Question

subtract the following fractions
\\(\frac{9}{16} - \frac{1}{12}\\)
\\(\frac{9}{16} - \frac{1}{12} = \square\\) (simplify your answer. type an integer or a simplified fraction.)

Explanation:

Step1: Find the least common denominator (LCD) of 16 and 12.

The prime factorization of 16 is $2^4$ and of 12 is $2^2\times3$. So, the LCD is $2^4\times3 = 48$.

Step2: Rewrite the fractions with the LCD.

$\frac{9}{16}=\frac{9\times3}{16\times3}=\frac{27}{48}$ and $\frac{1}{12}=\frac{1\times4}{12\times4}=\frac{4}{48}$.

Step3: Subtract the numerators.

$\frac{27}{48}-\frac{4}{48}=\frac{27 - 4}{48}=\frac{23}{48}$.

Answer:

$\frac{23}{48}$