Subtract 42/15 from 12/9
1st number: 1 3/9, 2nd number: 2 12/15
12/9 - 42/15 is -22/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 15 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 5 = 45,
12/9 = 12 × 5/9 × 5 = 60/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 3 = 45,
42/15 = 42 × 3/15 × 3 = 126/45 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/45 - 126/45 = 60 - 126/45 = -66/45 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -22/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/9-42/15 12/9-84/15 12/18-42/15 12/9-42/30 36/9-42/15 12/27-42/15 12/9-42/45 60/9-42/15 12/45-42/15 12/9-42/75 84/9-42/15 12/63-42/15