Subtract 12/9 from 42/24
1st number: 1 18/24, 2nd number: 1 3/9
42/24 - 12/9 is 5/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 24 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 24 × 3 = 72,
42/24 = 42 × 3/24 × 3 = 126/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
12/9 = 12 × 8/9 × 8 = 96/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/72 - 96/72 = 126 - 96/72 = 30/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/24-12/9 42/24-24/9 42/48-12/9 42/24-12/18 42/24-36/9 42/72-12/9 42/24-12/27 42/24-60/9 42/24-12/45 42/24-84/9 42/24-12/63