Subtract 20/7 from 15/42
1st number: 15/42, 2nd number: 2 6/7
15/42 - 20/7 is -5/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 7 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
15/42 = 15 × 1/42 × 1 = 15/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 6 = 42,
20/7 = 20 × 6/7 × 6 = 120/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/42 - 120/42 = 15 - 120/42 = -105/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42-20/7 15/42-40/7 15/84-20/7 15/42-20/14 45/42-20/7 15/42-60/7 15/42-20/21 75/42-20/7 15/42-20/35 15/42-20/49