Subtract 12/16 from 1/3
1/3 - 12/16 is -5/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 16 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 16 = 48,
1/3 = 1 × 16/3 × 16 = 16/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 3 = 48,
12/16 = 12 × 3/16 × 3 = 36/48 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/48 - 36/48 = 16 - 36/48 = -20/48 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/12
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