Subtract 70/42 from 2/12
1st number: 2/12, 2nd number: 1 28/42
2/12 - 70/42 is -3/2.
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,
70/42 = 70 × 2/42 × 2 = 140/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
14/84 - 140/84 = 14 - 140/84 = -126/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/12-70/42 2/24-70/42 2/12-70/84 6/12-70/42 2/36-70/42 10/12-70/42 2/60-70/42 14/12-70/42 2/84-70/42