Subtract 42/32 from 3/12
1st number: 3/12, 2nd number: 1 10/32
3/12 - 42/32 is -17/16.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 32 is 96
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 96 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 8 = 96,
3/12 = 3 × 8/12 × 8 = 24/96 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 3 = 96,
42/32 = 42 × 3/32 × 3 = 126/96 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/96 - 126/96 = 24 - 126/96 = -102/96 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-42/32 3/12-84/32 3/24-42/32 3/12-42/64 9/12-42/32 3/36-42/32 3/12-42/96 15/12-42/32 3/60-42/32 21/12-42/32 3/84-42/32