Subtract 3/8 from 3/12
3/12 - 3/8 is -1/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 8 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 8 × 3 = 24,
3/8 = 3 × 3/8 × 3 = 9/24 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/24 - 9/24 = 6 - 9/24 = -3/24 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-3/8 3/12-6/8 3/24-3/8 3/12-3/16 9/12-3/8 3/12-9/8 3/36-3/8 3/12-3/24 15/12-3/8 3/12-15/8 3/60-3/8 3/12-3/40 21/12-3/8 3/12-21/8 3/84-3/8 3/12-3/56