Subtract 2/15 from 5/42
5/42 - 2/15 is -1/70.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 15 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
5/42 = 5 × 5/42 × 5 = 25/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
2/15 = 2 × 14/15 × 14 = 28/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
25/210 - 28/210 = 25 - 28/210 = -3/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-2/15 5/42-4/15 5/84-2/15 5/42-2/30 15/42-2/15 5/42-6/15 5/42-2/45 25/42-2/15 5/42-10/15 5/42-2/75 35/42-2/15 5/42-14/15