Subtract 24/12 from 4/42
1st number: 4/42, 2nd number: 2 0/12
4/42 - 24/12 is -40/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
4/42 = 4 × 2/42 × 2 = 8/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
24/12 = 24 × 7/12 × 7 = 168/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/84 - 168/84 = 8 - 168/84 = -160/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -40/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42-24/12 4/42-48/12 4/84-24/12 12/42-24/12 4/42-72/12 4/42-24/36 20/42-24/12 4/42-24/60 28/42-24/12 4/42-24/84