Subtract 42/12 from 2/21
1st number: 2/21, 2nd number: 3 6/12
2/21 - 42/12 is -143/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 4 = 84,
2/21 = 2 × 4/21 × 4 = 8/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
42/12 = 42 × 7/12 × 7 = 294/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/84 - 294/84 = 8 - 294/84 = -286/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -143/42
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