Subtract 42/12 from 2/5
1st number: 2/5, 2nd number: 3 6/12
2/5 - 42/12 is -31/10.
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,
2/5 = 2 × 12/5 × 12 = 24/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
42/12 = 42 × 5/12 × 5 = 210/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/60 - 210/60 = 24 - 210/60 = -186/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/10
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