Subtract 42/60 from 15/45
15/45 - 42/60 is -11/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 60 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
15/45 = 15 × 4/45 × 4 = 60/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 3 = 180,
42/60 = 42 × 3/60 × 3 = 126/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/180 - 126/180 = 60 - 126/180 = -66/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/45-42/60 15/45-84/60 15/90-42/60 75/45-42/60