Subtract 49/42 from 12/20
1st number: 12/20, 2nd number: 1 7/42
12/20 - 49/42 is -17/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 42 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
12/20 = 12 × 21/20 × 21 = 252/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
49/42 = 49 × 10/42 × 10 = 490/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
252/420 - 490/420 = 252 - 490/420 = -238/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/20-49/42 12/20-98/42 12/40-49/42 12/20-49/84 36/20-49/42 12/60-49/42 60/20-49/42 84/20-49/42