Subtract 42/60 from 15/42
15/42 - 42/60 is -12/35.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 60 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
15/42 = 15 × 10/42 × 10 = 150/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 7 = 420,
42/60 = 42 × 7/60 × 7 = 294/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
150/420 - 294/420 = 150 - 294/420 = -144/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -12/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42-42/60 15/42-84/60 15/84-42/60 45/42-42/60 75/42-42/60