Subtract 12/10 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 1 2/10
42/36 - 12/10 is -1/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 10 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 10 × 18 = 180,
12/10 = 12 × 18/10 × 18 = 216/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/180 - 216/180 = 210 - 216/180 = -6/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/36-12/10 42/36-24/10 42/72-12/10 42/36-12/20 42/36-36/10 42/36-12/30 42/36-60/10 42/36-12/50 42/36-84/10 42/36-12/70