Subtract 42/8 from 12/20
1st number: 12/20, 2nd number: 5 2/8
12/20 - 42/8 is -93/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 8 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
12/20 = 12 × 2/20 × 2 = 24/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 5 = 40,
42/8 = 42 × 5/8 × 5 = 210/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/40 - 210/40 = 24 - 210/40 = -186/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -93/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/20-42/8 12/20-84/8 12/40-42/8 12/20-42/16 36/20-42/8 12/60-42/8 12/20-42/24 60/20-42/8 12/20-42/40 84/20-42/8 12/20-42/56