Subtract 20/6 from 42/54
1st number: 42/54, 2nd number: 3 2/6
42/54 - 20/6 is -23/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 54 and 6 is 54
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 54 - For the 1st fraction, since 54 × 1 = 54,
42/54 = 42 × 1/54 × 1 = 42/54 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 6 × 9 = 54,
20/6 = 20 × 9/6 × 9 = 180/54 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/54 - 180/54 = 42 - 180/54 = -138/54 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/54-20/6 42/54-40/6 42/54-20/12 42/54-60/6 42/54-20/18 42/54-20/30 42/54-20/42