Subtract 42/8 from 3/12
1st number: 3/12, 2nd number: 5 2/8
3/12 - 42/8 is -5/1.
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,
42/8 = 42 × 3/8 × 3 = 126/24 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/24 - 126/24 = 6 - 126/24 = -120/24 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/1
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