Subtract 7/20 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 7/20
42/36 - 7/20 is 49/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 20 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 20 × 9 = 180,
7/20 = 7 × 9/20 × 9 = 63/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/180 - 63/180 = 210 - 63/180 = 147/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 49/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/36-7/20 42/36-14/20 42/72-7/20 42/36-7/40 42/36-21/20 42/36-7/60 42/36-35/20 42/36-49/20