Subtract 12/8 from 54/42
1st number: 1 12/42, 2nd number: 1 4/8
54/42 - 12/8 is -3/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
54/42 = 54 × 4/42 × 4 = 216/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
12/8 = 12 × 21/8 × 21 = 252/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/168 - 252/168 = 216 - 252/168 = -36/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 54/42-24/8 54/84-12/8 54/42-12/16 54/42-36/8 54/42-12/24 54/42-60/8 54/42-12/40 54/42-84/8 54/42-12/56