Subtract 4/12 from 1/5
1/5 - 4/12 is -2/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
1/5 = 1 × 12/5 × 12 = 12/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
4/12 = 4 × 5/12 × 5 = 20/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/60 - 20/60 = 12 - 20/60 = -8/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/15
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