Subtract 36/21 from 15/42
1st number: 15/42, 2nd number: 1 15/21
15/42 - 36/21 is -19/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 21 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 21 × 2 = 42,
36/21 = 36 × 2/21 × 2 = 72/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/42 - 72/42 = 15 - 72/42 = -57/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42-36/21 15/42-72/21 15/84-36/21 15/42-36/42 45/42-36/21 15/42-36/63 75/42-36/21