Question

What's the difference between 1261⁄4 and 78 2⁄3?

Answer 1

126 1/4 = 126 3/12 = 125 15/12 

- 78 2/3 = - 78 8/12 = - 78 8/12 
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47 7/12 

1) Find the lowest common denominator (LCD) for the fractions. In this case, 12 is the LCD. 

2) Rewrite the fractions 1/4 and 2/3 using 12 as the denominator (second column). You get 3/12 and 8/12. 

3) Since it's confusing to subtract 8/12 from 3/12, you need to borrow one from the 126. Doing so is the same as taking 12/12 from 126. This changes to 125, and the 12/12 adds to the 3/12 making it 15/12. 

4) Subtract 8/12 from 15/12 to get 7/12. 

5) Subtract 78 from 125 to get 47. 

6) The answer is 47 7/12.

Answer 2

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