Subtract 9/42 from 3/36
3/36 - 9/42 is -11/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
3/36 = 3 × 7/36 × 7 = 21/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
9/42 = 9 × 6/42 × 6 = 54/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/252 - 54/252 = 21 - 54/252 = -33/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/36-9/42 3/36-18/42 3/72-9/42 3/36-9/84 9/36-9/42 3/36-27/42 15/36-9/42 3/36-45/42 21/36-9/42 3/36-63/42