Subtract 45/12 from 42/60
1st number: 42/60, 2nd number: 3 9/12
42/60 - 45/12 is -61/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 60 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 1 = 60,
42/60 = 42 × 1/60 × 1 = 42/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
45/12 = 45 × 5/12 × 5 = 225/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/60 - 225/60 = 42 - 225/60 = -183/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -61/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/60-45/12 42/60-90/12 42/60-45/24 42/60-45/36 42/60-45/60 42/60-45/84