Subtract 3/5 from 12/42
12/42 - 3/5 is -11/35.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
12/42 = 12 × 5/42 × 5 = 60/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
3/5 = 3 × 42/5 × 42 = 126/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/210 - 126/210 = 60 - 126/210 = -66/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42-3/5 12/42-6/5 12/84-3/5 12/42-3/10 36/42-3/5 12/42-9/5 12/42-3/15 60/42-3/5 12/42-15/5 12/42-3/25 84/42-3/5 12/42-21/5 12/42-3/35