How do you subtract (2/3) - (1/6)

What is 2/3 - 1/6? Here's how to subtract 1/6 from 2/3: 23 - 16 Step 1We can't subtract two fractions with different denominators. So you need to get a common denominator. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other ... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator. So we multiply 2 by 6, and get 12. Then we multiply 1 by 3, and get 3. Next we give both terms new denominators - - 3 * 6 = 18. So now our fractions look like this: 1218 - 318 Step 2Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators. 12 - 3 = 9So the answer is: 918 Step 3Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction? To find out, we try dividing it by 2 ... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3 ... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it: 918 : 3 = 36 Let's try dividing by 3 again ... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it: 36 : 3 = 12 Let's try dividing by 3 again ... No good. 3 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing. There you have it! The final answer is: 23 - 16 = 12 There are 3 simple steps to subtract fractions Make sure the bottom numbers (the denominators) are the same. Subtract the top numbers (the numerators). Put the answer over the same denominator. Simplify the fraction (if needed).