Subtract 5/16 from 12/42, Solve 12/42

Subtract 5/16 from 12/42

12/42 - 5/16 is -3/112.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336
For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
12/42 = 12 × 8/42 × 8 = 96/336
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
5/16 = 5 × 21/16 × 21 = 105/336
Subtract the two like fractions:
96/336 - 105/336 = 96 - 105/336 = -9/336
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/112

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad