Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators 11/20-5/12

To subtract fractions with unlike denominators, follow these steps:

1. **Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)**: The denominators are 20 and 12. The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest number that both 20 and 12 divide into evenly.

   - The prime factors of 20 are \( 2^2 \times 5 \).
   - The prime factors of 12 are \( 2^2 \times 3 \).
   - The LCD is \( 2^2 \times 3 \times 5 = 60 \).

2. **Convert the Fractions to Equivalent Fractions with the LCD**:
   - Convert \( \frac{11}{20} \) to a fraction with a denominator of 60:  
     \( \frac{11}{20} = \frac{11 \times 3}{20 \times 3} = \frac{33}{60} \).
   - Convert \( \frac{5}{12} \) to a fraction with a denominator of 60:  
     \( \frac{5}{12} = \frac{5 \times 5}{12 \times 5} = \frac{25}{60} \).

3. **Subtract the Numerators**:
   - \( \frac{33}{60} - \frac{25}{60} = \frac{33 - 25}{60} = \frac{8}{60} \).

4. **Simplify the Resulting Fraction**:
   - Simplify \( \frac{8}{60} \) by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 4:  
     \( \frac{8 \div 4}{60 \div 4} = \frac{2}{15} \).

So, the answer is \( \frac{2}{15} \).

Would you like any more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:
1. How do you find the least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions?
2. What is the process to convert improper fractions into mixed numbers?
3. How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?
4. How do you multiply fractions with different denominators?
5. How can you simplify complex fractions?

**Tip:** Always simplify your fractions at the end to ensure you have the simplest form of the answer.

Learn how to subtract fractions with unlike denominators 11/20 and 5/12 step-by-step. Understand the concept of finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD), converting fractions, subtracting numerators, and simplifying the result. Suitable for students in Grades 5-7.

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