Subtract 42/12 from 5/27
1st number: 5/27, 2nd number: 3 6/12
5/27 - 42/12 is -179/54.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 12 is 108
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 108 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 4 = 108,
5/27 = 5 × 4/27 × 4 = 20/108 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 9 = 108,
42/12 = 42 × 9/12 × 9 = 378/108 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/108 - 378/108 = 20 - 378/108 = -358/108 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -179/54
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/27-42/12 5/27-84/12 5/54-42/12 5/27-42/24 15/27-42/12 5/81-42/12 5/27-42/36 25/27-42/12 5/27-42/60 35/27-42/12 5/27-42/84