Subtract 15/42 from 3/9
3/9 - 15/42 is -1/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 42 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
3/9 = 3 × 14/9 × 14 = 42/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
15/42 = 15 × 3/42 × 3 = 45/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/126 - 45/126 = 42 - 45/126 = -3/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/42
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