Subtract 45/20 from 3/12
1st number: 3/12, 2nd number: 2 5/20
3/12 - 45/20 is -2/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 20 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
3/12 = 3 × 5/12 × 5 = 15/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
45/20 = 45 × 3/20 × 3 = 135/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/60 - 135/60 = 15 - 135/60 = -120/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/1
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-45/20 3/12-90/20 3/24-45/20 3/12-45/40 9/12-45/20 3/36-45/20 3/12-45/60 15/12-45/20 3/60-45/20 21/12-45/20 3/84-45/20