Subtract 21/4 from 12/9
1st number: 1 3/9, 2nd number: 5 1/4
12/9 - 21/4 is -47/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 4 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
12/9 = 12 × 4/9 × 4 = 48/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 9 = 36,
21/4 = 21 × 9/4 × 9 = 189/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/36 - 189/36 = 48 - 189/36 = -141/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -47/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/9-21/4 12/9-42/4 12/18-21/4 12/9-21/8 36/9-21/4 12/9-63/4 12/27-21/4 12/9-21/12 60/9-21/4 12/45-21/4 12/9-21/20 84/9-21/4 12/63-21/4 12/9-21/28