Subtract 12/16 from 2/5
2/5 - 12/16 is -7/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 16 is 80
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 16 = 80,
2/5 = 2 × 16/5 × 16 = 32/80 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
12/16 = 12 × 5/16 × 5 = 60/80 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/80 - 60/80 = 32 - 60/80 = -28/80 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/20
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