Subtract 5/42 from 2/12
2/12 - 5/42 is 1/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
2/12 = 2 × 7/12 × 7 = 14/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
5/42 = 5 × 2/42 × 2 = 10/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
14/84 - 10/84 = 14 - 10/84 = 4/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/12-5/42 2/12-10/42 2/24-5/42 2/12-5/84 6/12-5/42 2/12-15/42 2/36-5/42 10/12-5/42 2/12-25/42 2/60-5/42 14/12-5/42 2/12-35/42 2/84-5/42