Subtract 3/12 from 1/5
1/5 - 3/12 is -1/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
1/5 = 1 × 12/5 × 12 = 12/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
3/12 = 3 × 5/12 × 5 = 15/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/60 - 15/60 = 12 - 15/60 = -3/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/5-3/12 1/5-6/12 1/10-3/12 1/5-3/24 3/5-3/12 1/5-9/12 1/15-3/12 1/5-3/36 1/5-15/12 1/25-3/12 1/5-3/60 7/5-3/12 1/5-21/12 1/35-3/12 1/5-3/84