Subtract 21/14 from 12/42
1st number: 12/42, 2nd number: 1 7/14
12/42 - 21/14 is -17/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 14 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
12/42 = 12 × 1/42 × 1 = 12/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 14 × 3 = 42,
21/14 = 21 × 3/14 × 3 = 63/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/42 - 63/42 = 12 - 63/42 = -51/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/14
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