Subtract 36/20 from 4/42
1st number: 4/42, 2nd number: 1 16/20
4/42 - 36/20 is -179/105.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 20 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
4/42 = 4 × 10/42 × 10 = 40/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
36/20 = 36 × 21/20 × 21 = 756/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/420 - 756/420 = 40 - 756/420 = -716/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -179/105
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42-36/20 4/42-72/20 4/84-36/20 4/42-36/40 12/42-36/20 4/42-36/60 20/42-36/20 28/42-36/20