Subtract 5/16 from 3/12
3/12 - 5/16 is -1/16.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 16 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 4 = 48,
3/12 = 3 × 4/12 × 4 = 12/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 3 = 48,
5/16 = 5 × 3/16 × 3 = 15/48 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/48 - 15/48 = 12 - 15/48 = -3/48 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/16
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