Subtract 12/16 from 15/42
15/42 - 12/16 is -11/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
15/42 = 15 × 8/42 × 8 = 120/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
12/16 = 12 × 21/16 × 21 = 252/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/336 - 252/336 = 120 - 252/336 = -132/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42-12/16 15/42-24/16 15/84-12/16 15/42-12/32 45/42-12/16 15/42-36/16 15/42-12/48 75/42-12/16 15/42-60/16 15/42-12/80 15/42-84/16