To subtract the fractions 1/4 and 1/3, what is the step involving common denominators?

To subtract the fractions 1/4 and 1/3, it is essential to find a common denominator so that the fractions can be combined correctly. The common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of both fractions. In this case, the denominators are 4 and 3. The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 3 is 12, which means both fractions need to be converted to equivalent fractions with this common denominator.

The process involves modifying each fraction:

• The fraction 1/4 can be converted by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by 3, resulting in 3/12.

• The fraction 1/3 is converted by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by 4, resulting in 4/12.

Once both fractions are expressed with the common denominator of 12, they can be subtracted directly as they now share a common base. This step of converting to a common denominator is essential in fraction operations, specifically in subtraction and addition, to ensure accurate calculations and results.