Subtract 5/9 from 12/42
12/42 - 5/9 is -17/63.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
12/42 = 12 × 3/42 × 3 = 36/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
5/9 = 5 × 14/9 × 14 = 70/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/126 - 70/126 = 36 - 70/126 = -34/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/63
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42-5/9 12/42-10/9 12/84-5/9 12/42-5/18 36/42-5/9 12/42-15/9 12/42-5/27 60/42-5/9 12/42-25/9 12/42-5/45 84/42-5/9 12/42-35/9 12/42-5/63