Subtract 50/30 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 1 20/30
42/36 - 50/30 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 30 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 30 × 6 = 180,
50/30 = 50 × 6/30 × 6 = 300/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/180 - 300/180 = 210 - 300/180 = -90/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/36-50/30 42/72-50/30 42/36-50/60 42/36-50/90