What is 5/12 - 1/4?

The below workout with step by step calculation shows how to find what is the difference between two fractions by subtracting a fraction 1/4 from 5/12. For different, unequal or unlike denominators, use any one of the following methods to find the equivalent fraction for 5/12 minus 1/4.
1. LCM method
2. Cross multiplication method.

Problem & Workout - LCM Method
What is 5/12 minus 1/4 as a fraction by subtraction using LCM method?

step 1 Address formula, input parameters & values.
Input parameters & values:
5/12 & 1/4
5/12-1/4 = ?

step 2 For unequal denominators, find the LCM (least common multiple) for both denominators
The LCM for 12 and 4 is 12.

step 3 To have the common denominator, multiply the LCM with both numerator & denominator
=(5 x 12)/(12 x 12)-(1 x 12)/(4 x 12)
=5/12-3/12
=(5 - 3)/12

step 4 Find difference between numerators and rewrite it in a single form.
= 2/12
=1/6
5/12-1/4=1/6

By using LCM method, 1/6 is the equivalent fraction by subtracting 1/4 from 5/12.

Problem & Workout - Cross Multiplication Method
step 1 Address formula, input parameters & values.
Input parameters & values:
5/12 & 1/4
5/12 - 1/4 = ?

step 2 Cross multiply both numerator & denominator, multiply both denominators and rewrite as below
= (5 x 4) - (1 x 12)/(12 x 4)

step 3 Simplify & rewrite the fraction
= (20 - 12)/48
= 8/48
= 1/6
5/12-1/4 = 1/6
By using cross multiplication method, 1/6 is the difference between two fractions 5/12 and 1/4.