Subtract 50/80 from 12/42
12/42 - 50/80 is -19/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 80 is 1680
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1680 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 40 = 1680,
12/42 = 12 × 40/42 × 40 = 480/1680 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 80 × 21 = 1680,
50/80 = 50 × 21/80 × 21 = 1050/1680 - Subtract the two like fractions:
480/1680 - 1050/1680 = 480 - 1050/1680 = -570/1680 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42-50/80 12/84-50/80 36/42-50/80 60/42-50/80 84/42-50/80