Question

Evaluate the expression below. Simplify your answer

-2/3 - 5/12

Answer 1

To evaluate the expression -2/3 - 5/12, we need to find a common denominator for the fractions.

The prime factors of 12 are 2 x 2 x 3, while the prime factors of 3 are 3. Therefore, a common denominator is 3 x 2 x 2 = 12.

Now, let's rewrite the fractions with the common denominator:

-2/3 = -2/3 x 4/4 = -8/12
5/12 = 5/12

Now, we can subtract the fractions:

-8/12 - 5/12 = (-8 - 5)/12 = -13/12

So, the simplified answer is -13/12.