Question

Perform the indicated operation. Write all results in lowest terms. $$-\frac{1}{24}-\frac{1}{12}$$

Short answer

$$ Answer: The result of the subtraction is $$-\frac{1}{8}$$.

Step-by-step solution

Find the common denominator

The lowest common denominator of 24 and 12 is 24.

Rewrite the fractions with the common denominator

Multiply the numerator and the denominator of the second fraction by 2 to obtain the common denominator: $$-\frac{1}{24}-\frac{1\times 2}{12 \times 2}=-\frac{1}{24}-\frac{2}{24}$$

Subtract the fractions

Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can subtract the numerators: $$-\frac{1}{24}-\frac{2}{24} = \frac{-1-2}{24}$$

Simplify the result, if possible

Combine the numerators and check if the result can be simplified: $$\frac{-1-2}{24}=\frac{-3}{24}$$ Since both numerator and denominator are divisible by 3, we can simplify the fraction: $$\frac{-3/3}{24/3} = -\frac{1}{8}$$ The result of the operation is: $$-\frac{1}{8}$$.