Subtract 42/12 from 4/2
1st number: 2 0/2, 2nd number: 3 6/12
4/2 - 42/12 is -3/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 12 is 12
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 12 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 6 = 12,
4/2 = 4 × 6/2 × 6 = 24/12 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 1 = 12,
42/12 = 42 × 1/12 × 1 = 42/12 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/12 - 42/12 = 24 - 42/12 = -18/12 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/2-42/12 4/2-84/12 4/2-42/24 12/2-42/12 4/6-42/12 4/2-42/36 20/2-42/12 4/10-42/12 4/2-42/60 28/2-42/12 4/14-42/12 4/2-42/84