Subtract 42/12 from 60/20
1st number: 3 0/20, 2nd number: 3 6/12
60/20 - 42/12 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
60/20 = 60 × 3/20 × 3 = 180/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
42/12 = 42 × 5/12 × 5 = 210/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
180/60 - 210/60 = 180 - 210/60 = -30/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 60/20-84/12 60/40-42/12 60/20-42/24 60/20-42/36 60/20-42/60 60/20-42/84