Subtract 42/12 from 15/5
1st number: 3 0/5, 2nd number: 3 6/12
15/5 - 42/12 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
15/5 = 15 × 12/5 × 12 = 180/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
42/12 = 42 × 5/12 × 5 = 210/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
180/60 - 210/60 = 180 - 210/60 = -30/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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