Subtract 2/12 from 42/80
42/80 - 2/12 is 43/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 80 and 12 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 80 × 3 = 240,
42/80 = 42 × 3/80 × 3 = 126/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 20 = 240,
2/12 = 2 × 20/12 × 20 = 40/240 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/240 - 40/240 = 126 - 40/240 = 86/240 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 43/120
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/80-2/12 42/80-4/12 42/80-2/24 42/80-6/12 42/80-2/36 42/80-10/12 42/80-2/60 42/80-14/12 42/80-2/84