Subtract 7/12 from 1/3
1/3 - 7/12 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 12 is 12
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 12 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 4 = 12,
1/3 = 1 × 4/3 × 4 = 4/12 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 1 = 12,
7/12 = 7 × 1/12 × 1 = 7/12 - Subtract the two like fractions:
4/12 - 7/12 = 4 - 7/12 = -3/12 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/3-7/12 1/3-14/12 1/6-7/12 1/3-7/24 1/3-21/12 1/9-7/12 1/3-7/36 5/3-7/12 1/3-35/12 1/15-7/12 1/3-7/60 7/3-7/12 1/3-49/12 1/21-7/12 1/3-7/84