Subtract 5/9 from 4/12
4/12 - 5/9 is -2/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 9 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
4/12 = 4 × 3/12 × 3 = 12/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
5/9 = 5 × 4/9 × 4 = 20/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/36 - 20/36 = 12 - 20/36 = -8/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/9
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