Subtract 5/12 from 3/18
3/18 - 5/12 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 12 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
3/18 = 3 × 2/18 × 2 = 6/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
5/12 = 5 × 3/12 × 3 = 15/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/36 - 15/36 = 6 - 15/36 = -9/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/18-5/12 3/18-10/12 3/36-5/12 3/18-5/24 9/18-5/12 3/18-15/12 3/54-5/12 3/18-5/36 15/18-5/12 3/18-25/12 3/90-5/12 3/18-5/60 21/18-5/12 3/18-35/12 3/18-5/84