Subtract 18/3 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 6 0/3
42/12 - 18/3 is -5/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 3 is 12
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 12 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 1 = 12,
42/12 = 42 × 1/12 × 1 = 42/12 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 4 = 12,
18/3 = 18 × 4/3 × 4 = 72/12 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/12 - 72/12 = 42 - 72/12 = -30/12 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/2
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