Subtract 21/27 from 5/12
5/12 - 21/27 is -13/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 27 is 108
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 108 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 9 = 108,
5/12 = 5 × 9/12 × 9 = 45/108 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 4 = 108,
21/27 = 21 × 4/27 × 4 = 84/108 - Subtract the two like fractions:
45/108 - 84/108 = 45 - 84/108 = -39/108 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/12-21/27 5/12-42/27 5/24-21/27 5/12-21/54 15/12-21/27 5/12-63/27 5/36-21/27 5/12-21/81 25/12-21/27 5/60-21/27 35/12-21/27 5/84-21/27