Multiply the whole numbers by the fractions separately: calculate \(7 \times \frac{5}{12}\) and \(4 \times \frac{5}{6}\).
Express each product as a single fraction: \(\frac{7 \times 5}{12}\) and \(\frac{4 \times 5}{6}\), which simplifies to \(\frac{35}{12}\) and \(\frac{20}{6}\) respectively.
Find a common denominator to subtract the fractions \(\frac{35}{12} - \frac{20}{6}\). Since 12 is a multiple of 6, convert \(\frac{20}{6}\) to an equivalent fraction with denominator 12.
Subtract the numerators over the common denominator and simplify the resulting fraction to its lowest terms.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Multiplication of Whole Numbers and Fractions
Multiplying a whole number by a fraction involves multiplying the whole number by the numerator of the fraction while keeping the denominator the same. For example, 7 × (5/12) means 7 times 5 divided by 12, which can be calculated as (7 × 5)/12.
To subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator. If denominators differ, find the least common denominator (LCD), convert each fraction, then subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator constant.
After performing operations, fractions should be simplified by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). This reduces the fraction to its simplest form, making the answer clearer and more standard.