Subtract 20/32 from 36/42, Solve 36/42

Subtract 20/32 from 36/42

36/42 - 20/32 is 13/56.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 32 is 672

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672
For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
36/42 = 36 × 16/42 × 16 = 576/672
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
20/32 = 20 × 21/32 × 21 = 420/672
Subtract the two like fractions:
576/672 - 420/672 = 576 - 420/672 = 156/672
After reducing the fraction, the answer is 13/56

MathStep (Works offline)

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