Subtract 5/12 from 16/42
16/42 - 5/12 is -1/28.
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,
16/42 = 16 × 2/42 × 2 = 32/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
5/12 = 5 × 7/12 × 7 = 35/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/84 - 35/84 = 32 - 35/84 = -3/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/28
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