Subtract 12/18 from 21/84
21/84 - 12/18 is -5/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 18 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
21/84 = 21 × 3/84 × 3 = 63/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 14 = 252,
12/18 = 12 × 14/18 × 14 = 168/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/252 - 168/252 = 63 - 168/252 = -105/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/12
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