Subtract 15/3 from 42/2
1st number: 21 0/2, 2nd number: 5 0/3
42/2 - 15/3 is 16/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 3 is 6
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 6 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 3 = 6,
42/2 = 42 × 3/2 × 3 = 126/6 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 2 = 6,
15/3 = 15 × 2/3 × 2 = 30/6 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/6 - 30/6 = 126 - 30/6 = 96/6 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 16/1
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/2-15/3 42/2-30/3 42/4-15/3 42/2-15/6 42/2-45/3 42/6-15/3 42/2-15/9 42/2-75/3 42/10-15/3 42/14-15/3 42/2-15/21