Subtract 5/27 from 2/42
2/42 - 5/27 is -26/189.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 27 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
2/42 = 2 × 9/42 × 9 = 18/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 14 = 378,
5/27 = 5 × 14/27 × 14 = 70/378 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/378 - 70/378 = 18 - 70/378 = -52/378 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -26/189
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-5/27 2/42-10/27 2/84-5/27 2/42-5/54 6/42-5/27 2/42-15/27 2/42-5/81 10/42-5/27 2/42-25/27 14/42-5/27 2/42-35/27