Subtract 42/8 from 5/12
1st number: 5/12, 2nd number: 5 2/8
5/12 - 42/8 is -29/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 8 is 24
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 24 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 2 = 24,
5/12 = 5 × 2/12 × 2 = 10/24 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 3 = 24,
42/8 = 42 × 3/8 × 3 = 126/24 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/24 - 126/24 = 10 - 126/24 = -116/24 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/12-42/8 5/12-84/8 5/24-42/8 5/12-42/16 15/12-42/8 5/36-42/8 5/12-42/24 25/12-42/8 5/60-42/8 5/12-42/40 35/12-42/8 5/84-42/8 5/12-42/56