Subtract 27/12 from 15/42
1st number: 15/42, 2nd number: 2 3/12
15/42 - 27/12 is -53/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
15/42 = 15 × 2/42 × 2 = 30/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
27/12 = 27 × 7/12 × 7 = 189/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/84 - 189/84 = 30 - 189/84 = -159/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -53/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42-27/12 15/42-54/12 15/84-27/12 15/42-27/24 45/42-27/12 15/42-81/12 15/42-27/36 75/42-27/12 15/42-27/60 15/42-27/84