Subtract 5/12 from 6/42
6/42 - 5/12 is -23/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
6/42 = 6 × 2/42 × 2 = 12/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
5/12 = 5 × 7/12 × 7 = 35/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/84 - 35/84 = 12 - 35/84 = -23/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 12/42-5/12 6/42-10/12 6/84-5/12 6/42-5/24 18/42-5/12 6/42-15/12 6/42-5/36 30/42-5/12 6/42-25/12 6/42-5/60 6/42-35/12 6/42-5/84