Subtract 15/9 from 36/42, Solve 36/42

Subtract 15/9 from 36/42

1^st number: 36/42, 2^nd number: 1 6/9

36/42 - 15/9 is -17/21.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126
For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
36/42 = 36 × 3/42 × 3 = 108/126
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
15/9 = 15 × 14/9 × 14 = 210/126
Subtract the two like fractions:
108/126 - 210/126 = 108 - 210/126 = -102/126
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/21

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad