Subtract 45/50 from 36/42
36/42 - 45/50 is -3/70.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 50 is 1050
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1050 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 25 = 1050,
36/42 = 36 × 25/42 × 25 = 900/1050 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 21 = 1050,
45/50 = 45 × 21/50 × 21 = 945/1050 - Subtract the two like fractions:
900/1050 - 945/1050 = 900 - 945/1050 = -45/1050 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-45/50 36/42-90/50 36/84-45/50