Subtract 1/36 from 1/42
1/42 - 1/36 is -1/252.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
1/42 = 1 × 6/42 × 6 = 6/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
1/36 = 1 × 7/36 × 7 = 7/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/252 - 7/252 = 6 - 7/252 = -1/252
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/42-1/36 1/42-2/36 1/84-1/36 1/42-1/72 3/42-1/36 1/42-3/36 5/42-1/36 1/42-5/36 7/42-1/36 1/42-7/36