Subtract 20/36 from 15/42
15/42 - 20/36 is -25/126.
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,
15/42 = 15 × 6/42 × 6 = 90/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
20/36 = 20 × 7/36 × 7 = 140/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
90/252 - 140/252 = 90 - 140/252 = -50/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -25/126
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