Subtract 42/15 from 12/2
1st number: 6 0/2, 2nd number: 2 12/15
12/2 - 42/15 is 16/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 15 is 30
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 30 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 15 = 30,
12/2 = 12 × 15/2 × 15 = 180/30 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 2 = 30,
42/15 = 42 × 2/15 × 2 = 84/30 - Subtract the two like fractions:
180/30 - 84/30 = 180 - 84/30 = 96/30 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 16/5
- In mixed form: 31/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/2-42/15 12/2-84/15 12/4-42/15 12/2-42/30 36/2-42/15 12/6-42/15 12/2-42/45 60/2-42/15 12/10-42/15 12/2-42/75 84/2-42/15 12/14-42/15