Subtract 20/36 from 42/24
1st number: 1 18/24, 2nd number: 20/36
42/24 - 20/36 is 43/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 24 and 36 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 24 × 3 = 72,
42/24 = 42 × 3/24 × 3 = 126/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
20/36 = 20 × 2/36 × 2 = 40/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/72 - 40/72 = 126 - 40/72 = 86/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 43/36
- In mixed form: 17/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/24-20/36 42/24-40/36 42/48-20/36 42/24-20/72 42/24-60/36 42/72-20/36