Subtract 4/42 from 3/9
3/9 - 4/42 is 5/21.
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,
4/42 = 4 × 3/42 × 3 = 12/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/126 - 12/126 = 42 - 12/126 = 30/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/9-4/42 3/9-8/42 3/18-4/42 3/9-4/84 3/9-12/42 3/27-4/42 15/9-4/42 3/9-20/42 3/45-4/42 21/9-4/42 3/9-28/42 3/63-4/42