Subtract 15/5 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 3 0/5
42/36 - 15/5 is -11/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 5 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 5 × 36 = 180,
15/5 = 15 × 36/5 × 36 = 540/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/180 - 540/180 = 210 - 540/180 = -330/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/36-15/5 42/36-30/5 42/72-15/5 42/36-15/10 42/36-45/5 42/36-75/5 42/36-15/25 42/36-15/35