Subtract 1/42 from 3/36
3/36 - 1/42 is 5/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
3/36 = 3 × 7/36 × 7 = 21/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
1/42 = 1 × 6/42 × 6 = 6/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/252 - 6/252 = 21 - 6/252 = 15/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/36-1/42 3/36-2/42 3/72-1/42 3/36-1/84 9/36-1/42 3/36-3/42 15/36-1/42 3/36-5/42 21/36-1/42 3/36-7/42