Subtract 40/12 from 15/42
1st number: 15/42, 2nd number: 3 4/12
15/42 - 40/12 is -125/42.
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,
40/12 = 40 × 7/12 × 7 = 280/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/84 - 280/84 = 30 - 280/84 = -250/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -125/42
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