Subtract 42/9 from 45/12
1st number: 3 9/12, 2nd number: 4 6/9
45/12 - 42/9 is -11/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 9 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
45/12 = 45 × 3/12 × 3 = 135/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
42/9 = 42 × 4/9 × 4 = 168/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
135/36 - 168/36 = 135 - 168/36 = -33/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 90/12-42/9 45/12-84/9 45/24-42/9 45/12-42/18 45/36-42/9 45/12-42/27 45/60-42/9 45/12-42/45 45/84-42/9 45/12-42/63