Subtract 12/20 from 3/42
3/42 - 12/20 is -37/70.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 20 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
3/42 = 3 × 10/42 × 10 = 30/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
12/20 = 12 × 21/20 × 21 = 252/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/420 - 252/420 = 30 - 252/420 = -222/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -37/70
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