Subtract 12/3 from 84/42
1st number: 2 0/42, 2nd number: 4 0/3
84/42 - 12/3 is -2/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 3 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
84/42 = 84 × 1/42 × 1 = 84/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
12/3 = 12 × 14/3 × 14 = 168/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/42 - 168/42 = 84 - 168/42 = -84/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/1
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/42-24/3 84/42-12/6 84/42-36/3 84/42-12/9 84/42-60/3 84/42-12/15 84/42-84/3 84/42-12/21