Subtract 12/42 from 1/4
1/4 - 12/42 is -1/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
1/4 = 1 × 21/4 × 21 = 21/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
12/42 = 12 × 2/42 × 2 = 24/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/84 - 24/84 = 21 - 24/84 = -3/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/28
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