Subtract 12/42 from 4/12
4/12 - 12/42 is 1/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
4/12 = 4 × 7/12 × 7 = 28/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
12/42 = 12 × 2/42 × 2 = 24/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
28/84 - 24/84 = 28 - 24/84 = 4/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/12-12/42 4/12-24/42 4/24-12/42 4/12-12/84 4/12-36/42 4/36-12/42 20/12-12/42 4/12-60/42 4/60-12/42 28/12-12/42 4/12-84/42 4/84-12/42