Subtract 9/54 from 3/42
3/42 - 9/54 is -2/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 54 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
3/42 = 3 × 9/42 × 9 = 27/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 7 = 378,
9/54 = 9 × 7/54 × 7 = 63/378 - Subtract the two like fractions:
27/378 - 63/378 = 27 - 63/378 = -36/378 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-9/54 3/42-18/54 3/84-9/54 9/42-9/54 3/42-27/54 15/42-9/54 3/42-45/54 21/42-9/54 3/42-63/54