Subtract 16/24 from 3/12
3/12 - 16/24 is -5/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 24 is 24
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 24 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 2 = 24,
3/12 = 3 × 2/12 × 2 = 6/24 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 1 = 24,
16/24 = 16 × 1/24 × 1 = 16/24 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/24 - 16/24 = 6 - 16/24 = -10/24 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-16/24 3/12-32/24 3/24-16/24 3/12-16/48 9/12-16/24 3/12-48/24 3/36-16/24 3/12-16/72 15/12-16/24 3/12-80/24 3/60-16/24 21/12-16/24 3/84-16/24