Subtract 21/30 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 21/30
42/12 - 21/30 is 14/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 30 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 30 × 2 = 60,
21/30 = 21 × 2/30 × 2 = 42/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/60 - 42/60 = 210 - 42/60 = 168/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 14/5
- In mixed form: 24/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12-21/30 42/12-42/30 42/24-21/30 42/12-21/60 42/12-63/30 42/36-21/30 42/12-21/90 42/60-21/30 42/84-21/30