Question

What is 3/14 minus 3/7 in simplest form

Answer 1

Step 1. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of  $\frac{3}{14} , \frac{3}{7}$

Method 1: By Listing MultiplesList out all multiples of each denominator, and find the first common one.

Multiples of 14 : 14,......

Multiples of 7 : 7, 14, ......

Therefore, the LCD is 14.

Method 2: By Prime FactorsList all prime factors of each denominator, and find the union of these primes.

Prime Factors of 14 : 2, 7

Prime Factors of 7 : 7

Therefore, the LCD is $2*7=14$

LCD = 14

Step 2. Make the denominators the same as the LCD

$\frac{3}{14} - \frac{3*2}{7*2}$

Step 3. Simplify. Denominators are now the same

 $\frac{3}{14} - \frac{6}{14}$

Step 4. Join the denominators

$\frac{3-6}{14}$

Step 5. Simplify 

$- \frac{3}{14}$

Done!

Decimal Form If Needed: -0.214286