Subtract 12/16 from 3/9
3/9 - 12/16 is -5/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
3/9 = 3 × 16/9 × 16 = 48/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
12/16 = 12 × 9/16 × 9 = 108/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/144 - 108/144 = 48 - 108/144 = -60/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/12
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