Subtract 21/12 from 5/4
1st number: 1 1/4, 2nd number: 1 9/12
5/4 - 21/12 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 12 is 12
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 12 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 3 = 12,
5/4 = 5 × 3/4 × 3 = 15/12 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 1 = 12,
21/12 = 21 × 1/12 × 1 = 21/12 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/12 - 21/12 = 15 - 21/12 = -6/12 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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