Subtract 12/20 from 42/15
1st number: 2 12/15, 2nd number: 12/20
42/15 - 12/20 is 11/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 20 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
42/15 = 42 × 4/15 × 4 = 168/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
12/20 = 12 × 3/20 × 3 = 36/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/60 - 36/60 = 168 - 36/60 = 132/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 11/5
- In mixed form: 21/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/15-12/20 42/15-24/20 42/30-12/20 42/15-12/40 42/15-36/20 42/45-12/20 42/15-12/60 42/15-60/20 42/75-12/20 42/15-84/20