Subtract 12/8 from 12/42
1st number: 12/42, 2nd number: 1 4/8
12/42 - 12/8 is -17/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
12/42 = 12 × 4/42 × 4 = 48/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
12/8 = 12 × 21/8 × 21 = 252/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/168 - 252/168 = 48 - 252/168 = -204/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42-12/8 12/42-24/8 12/84-12/8 12/42-12/16 36/42-12/8 12/42-36/8 12/42-12/24 60/42-12/8 12/42-60/8 12/42-12/40 84/42-12/8 12/42-84/8 12/42-12/56