Subtract 12/16 from 5/84
5/84 - 12/16 is -29/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 4 = 336,
5/84 = 5 × 4/84 × 4 = 20/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
12/16 = 12 × 21/16 × 21 = 252/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/336 - 252/336 = 20 - 252/336 = -232/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/84-12/16 5/84-24/16 5/84-12/32 15/84-12/16 5/84-36/16 5/84-12/48 25/84-12/16 5/84-60/16 5/84-12/80 35/84-12/16 5/84-84/16