Subtract 42/15 from 12/30
1st number: 12/30, 2nd number: 2 12/15
12/30 - 42/15 is -12/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 15 is 30
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 30 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 1 = 30,
12/30 = 12 × 1/30 × 1 = 12/30 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 2 = 30,
42/15 = 42 × 2/15 × 2 = 84/30 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/30 - 84/30 = 12 - 84/30 = -72/30 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -12/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/30-42/15 12/30-84/15 12/60-42/15 12/30-42/30 36/30-42/15 12/90-42/15 12/30-42/45 60/30-42/15 12/30-42/75 84/30-42/15