Subtract 18/32 from 3/12
3/12 - 18/32 is -5/16.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 32 is 96
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 96 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 8 = 96,
3/12 = 3 × 8/12 × 8 = 24/96 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 3 = 96,
18/32 = 18 × 3/32 × 3 = 54/96 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/96 - 54/96 = 24 - 54/96 = -30/96 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-18/32 3/12-36/32 3/24-18/32 3/12-18/64 9/12-18/32 3/12-54/32 3/36-18/32 3/12-18/96 15/12-18/32 3/12-90/32 3/60-18/32 21/12-18/32 3/84-18/32