Subtract 3/8 from 12/84
12/84 - 3/8 is -13/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 2 = 168,
12/84 = 12 × 2/84 × 2 = 24/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
3/8 = 3 × 21/8 × 21 = 63/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/168 - 63/168 = 24 - 63/168 = -39/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/84-3/8 12/84-6/8 12/84-3/16 36/84-3/8 12/84-9/8 12/84-3/24 60/84-3/8 12/84-15/8 12/84-3/40 12/84-21/8 12/84-3/56