Subtract 5/12 from 1/6
1/6 - 5/12 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 6 and 12 is 12
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 12 - For the 1st fraction, since 6 × 2 = 12,
1/6 = 1 × 2/6 × 2 = 2/12 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 1 = 12,
5/12 = 5 × 1/12 × 1 = 5/12 - Subtract the two like fractions:
2/12 - 5/12 = 2 - 5/12 = -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: 2/6-5/12 1/6-10/12 1/12-5/12 1/6-5/24 3/6-5/12 1/6-15/12 1/18-5/12 1/6-5/36 5/6-5/12 1/6-25/12 1/30-5/12 1/6-5/60 7/6-5/12 1/6-35/12 1/42-5/12 1/6-5/84