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Subtract 5/9 from 3/12

3/12 - 5/9 is -11/36.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 12 and 9 is 36

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
    3/12 = 3 × 3/12 × 3 = 9/36
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
    5/9 = 5 × 4/9 × 4 = 20/36
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    9/36 - 20/36 = 9 - 20/36 = -11/36

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