Subtract 21/9 from 3/42
1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 2 3/9
3/42 - 21/9 is -95/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
3/42 = 3 × 3/42 × 3 = 9/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
21/9 = 21 × 14/9 × 14 = 294/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
9/126 - 294/126 = 9 - 294/126 = -285/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -95/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-21/9 3/42-42/9 3/84-21/9 3/42-21/18 9/42-21/9 3/42-63/9 3/42-21/27 15/42-21/9 3/42-21/45 21/42-21/9 3/42-21/63