Subtract 12/4 from 5/15
1st number: 5/15, 2nd number: 3 0/4
5/15 - 12/4 is -8/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 4 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
5/15 = 5 × 4/15 × 4 = 20/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 15 = 60,
12/4 = 12 × 15/4 × 15 = 180/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/60 - 180/60 = 20 - 180/60 = -160/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/15-12/4 5/15-24/4 5/30-12/4 5/15-12/8 5/15-36/4 5/45-12/4 25/15-12/4 5/15-60/4 5/75-12/4 5/15-12/20 35/15-12/4 5/15-84/4 5/15-12/28