Subtract 2/5 from 3/12
3/12 - 2/5 is -3/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 5 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
3/12 = 3 × 5/12 × 5 = 15/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
2/5 = 2 × 12/5 × 12 = 24/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/60 - 24/60 = 15 - 24/60 = -9/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/20
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