Subtract 4/36 from 15/42
15/42 - 4/36 is 31/126.
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,
4/36 = 4 × 7/36 × 7 = 28/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
90/252 - 28/252 = 90 - 28/252 = 62/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 31/126
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42-4/36 15/42-8/36 15/84-4/36 15/42-4/72 45/42-4/36 15/42-12/36 75/42-4/36 15/42-20/36 15/42-28/36