Subtract 2/5 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 2/5
42/12 - 2/5 is 31/10.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 5 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
42/12 = 42 × 5/12 × 5 = 210/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
2/5 = 2 × 12/5 × 12 = 24/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/60 - 24/60 = 210 - 24/60 = 186/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 31/10
- In mixed form: 31/10
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12-2/5 42/12-4/5 42/24-2/5 42/12-2/10 42/12-6/5 42/36-2/5 42/12-2/15 42/12-10/5 42/60-2/5 42/12-2/25 42/12-14/5 42/84-2/5 42/12-2/35