Subtract 3/12 from 42/15
1st number: 2 12/15, 2nd number: 3/12
42/15 - 3/12 is 51/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 12 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 12 × 5 = 60,
3/12 = 3 × 5/12 × 5 = 15/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/60 - 15/60 = 168 - 15/60 = 153/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 51/20
- In mixed form: 211/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/15-3/12 42/15-6/12 42/30-3/12 42/15-3/24 42/15-9/12 42/45-3/12 42/15-3/36 42/15-15/12 42/75-3/12 42/15-3/60 42/15-21/12 42/15-3/84