Subtract 21/42 from 5/12
5/12 - 21/42 is -1/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
5/12 = 5 × 7/12 × 7 = 35/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
21/42 = 21 × 2/42 × 2 = 42/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/84 - 42/84 = 35 - 42/84 = -7/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/12
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