Subtract 12/32 from 1/42
1/42 - 12/32 is -59/168.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 32 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
1/42 = 1 × 16/42 × 16 = 16/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
12/32 = 12 × 21/32 × 21 = 252/672 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/672 - 252/672 = 16 - 252/672 = -236/672 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -59/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/42-12/32 1/42-24/32 1/84-12/32 1/42-12/64 3/42-12/32 1/42-36/32 1/42-12/96 5/42-12/32 1/42-60/32 7/42-12/32 1/42-84/32