Subtract 12/18 from 5/16
5/16 - 12/18 is -17/48.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 18 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
5/16 = 5 × 9/16 × 9 = 45/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
12/18 = 12 × 8/18 × 8 = 96/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
45/144 - 96/144 = 45 - 96/144 = -51/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/48
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