Subtract 42/12 from 1/5
1st number: 1/5, 2nd number: 3 6/12
1/5 - 42/12 is -33/10.
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,
42/12 = 42 × 5/12 × 5 = 210/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/60 - 210/60 = 12 - 210/60 = -198/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -33/10
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/5-42/12 1/5-84/12 1/10-42/12 1/5-42/24 3/5-42/12 1/15-42/12 1/5-42/36 1/25-42/12 1/5-42/60 7/5-42/12 1/35-42/12 1/5-42/84