Subtract 2/36 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 2/36
42/12 - 2/36 is 31/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 36 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
42/12 = 42 × 3/12 × 3 = 126/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
2/36 = 2 × 1/36 × 1 = 2/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/36 - 2/36 = 126 - 2/36 = 124/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 31/9
- In mixed form: 34/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12-2/36 42/12-4/36 42/24-2/36 42/12-2/72 42/12-6/36 42/36-2/36 42/12-10/36 42/60-2/36 42/12-14/36 42/84-2/36