Subtract 45/84 from 12/42
12/42 - 45/84 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
12/42 = 12 × 2/42 × 2 = 24/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
45/84 = 45 × 1/84 × 1 = 45/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/84 - 45/84 = 24 - 45/84 = -21/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
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