Subtract 16/36 from 5/12
5/12 - 16/36 is -1/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 36 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
5/12 = 5 × 3/12 × 3 = 15/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
16/36 = 16 × 1/36 × 1 = 16/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/36 - 16/36 = 15 - 16/36 = -1/36
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