Subtract 4/36 from 3/42
3/42 - 4/36 is -5/126.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
3/42 = 3 × 6/42 × 6 = 18/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
4/36 = 4 × 7/36 × 7 = 28/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/252 - 28/252 = 18 - 28/252 = -10/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/126
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-4/36 3/42-8/36 3/84-4/36 3/42-4/72 9/42-4/36 3/42-12/36 15/42-4/36 3/42-20/36 21/42-4/36 3/42-28/36