Subtract 12/21 from 1/2
1/2 - 12/21 is -1/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 21 = 42,
1/2 = 1 × 21/2 × 21 = 21/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
12/21 = 12 × 2/21 × 2 = 24/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/42 - 24/42 = 21 - 24/42 = -3/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 1/2-24/21 1/4-12/21 1/2-12/42 3/2-12/21 1/2-36/21 1/6-12/21 1/2-12/63 5/2-12/21 1/2-60/21 1/10-12/21 7/2-12/21 1/2-84/21 1/14-12/21