Subtract 3/9 from 5/42
5/42 - 3/9 is -3/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
5/42 = 5 × 3/42 × 3 = 15/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
3/9 = 3 × 14/9 × 14 = 42/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/126 - 42/126 = 15 - 42/126 = -27/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-3/9 5/42-6/9 5/84-3/9 5/42-3/18 15/42-3/9 5/42-3/27 25/42-3/9 5/42-15/9 5/42-3/45 35/42-3/9 5/42-21/9 5/42-3/63