Subtract 42/27 from 3/12
1st number: 3/12, 2nd number: 1 15/27
3/12 - 42/27 is -47/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 27 is 108
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 108 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 9 = 108,
3/12 = 3 × 9/12 × 9 = 27/108 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 4 = 108,
42/27 = 42 × 4/27 × 4 = 168/108 - Subtract the two like fractions:
27/108 - 168/108 = 27 - 168/108 = -141/108 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -47/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-42/27 3/12-84/27 3/24-42/27 3/12-42/54 9/12-42/27 3/36-42/27 3/12-42/81 15/12-42/27 3/60-42/27 21/12-42/27 3/84-42/27