Subtract 21/40 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 21/40
42/36 - 21/40 is 77/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 10 = 360,
42/36 = 42 × 10/36 × 10 = 420/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
21/40 = 21 × 9/40 × 9 = 189/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
420/360 - 189/360 = 420 - 189/360 = 231/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 77/120
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/36-21/40 42/36-42/40 42/72-21/40 42/36-21/80 42/36-63/40