Subtract 12/27 from 15/42
15/42 - 12/27 is -11/126.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 27 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
15/42 = 15 × 9/42 × 9 = 135/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 14 = 378,
12/27 = 12 × 14/27 × 14 = 168/378 - Subtract the two like fractions:
135/378 - 168/378 = 135 - 168/378 = -33/378 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/126
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42-12/27 15/42-24/27 15/84-12/27 15/42-12/54 45/42-12/27 15/42-36/27 15/42-12/81 75/42-12/27 15/42-60/27 15/42-84/27