To answer this question, we need to find a common denominator for these two fractions, i.e. how can we write 7/12 in the same way as 1/3?
The common denominator for these fractions will have to be 12, because 7/12 cannot be simplified anymore - 7 is a prime number. So we'll convert 1/3 into 12ths. To do this:
1 ---> Multiply the top by 4, because we multiplied the bottom by 4
--
3 ---> Multiply the bottom by 4 to get 12
So 1/3 = 4/12
7/12 - 4/12 = 3/12 ---> Complete the subtraction
3/12 can be simplified, as both 3 and 12 are divisible by 3.
3 ---> Divide by 3
--
12 ---> Divide by 3
=
1
--
4
And 1/4 is your answer.
