Subtract 1/5 from 3/42
3/42 - 1/5 is -9/70.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
3/42 = 3 × 5/42 × 5 = 15/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
1/5 = 1 × 42/5 × 42 = 42/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/210 - 42/210 = 15 - 42/210 = -27/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-1/5 3/42-2/5 3/84-1/5 3/42-1/10 9/42-1/5 3/42-3/5 3/42-1/15 15/42-1/5 3/42-1/25 21/42-1/5 3/42-7/5 3/42-1/35