Subtract 42/12 from 15/18
1st number: 15/18, 2nd number: 3 6/12
15/18 - 42/12 is -8/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 12 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
15/18 = 15 × 2/18 × 2 = 30/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
42/12 = 42 × 3/12 × 3 = 126/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/36 - 126/36 = 30 - 126/36 = -96/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/3
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