Subtract 84/5 from 42/3
1st number: 14 0/3, 2nd number: 16 4/5
42/3 - 84/5 is -14/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 5 is 15
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 15 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 5 = 15,
42/3 = 42 × 5/3 × 5 = 210/15 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 3 = 15,
84/5 = 84 × 3/5 × 3 = 252/15 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/15 - 252/15 = 210 - 252/15 = -42/15 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -14/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/3-84/5 42/6-84/5 42/3-84/10 42/9-84/5 42/3-84/15 42/15-84/5 42/3-84/25 42/21-84/5 42/3-84/35