Subtract 21/27 from 12/42
12/42 - 21/27 is -31/63.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 27 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
12/42 = 12 × 9/42 × 9 = 108/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 14 = 378,
21/27 = 21 × 14/27 × 14 = 294/378 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/378 - 294/378 = 108 - 294/378 = -186/378 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/63
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