Subtract 5/42 from 1/12
1/12 - 5/42 is -1/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
1/12 = 1 × 7/12 × 7 = 7/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
5/42 = 5 × 2/42 × 2 = 10/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
7/84 - 10/84 = 7 - 10/84 = -3/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/28
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