Subtract 42/36 from 40/84
1st number: 40/84, 2nd number: 1 6/36
40/84 - 42/36 is -29/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
40/84 = 40 × 3/84 × 3 = 120/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
42/36 = 42 × 7/36 × 7 = 294/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/252 - 294/252 = 120 - 294/252 = -174/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/84-42/36 40/84-84/36 40/84-42/72