Subtract 20/36 from 42/9
1st number: 4 6/9, 2nd number: 20/36
42/9 - 20/36 is 37/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 36 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
42/9 = 42 × 4/9 × 4 = 168/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
20/36 = 20 × 1/36 × 1 = 20/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/36 - 20/36 = 168 - 20/36 = 148/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 37/9
- In mixed form: 41/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/9-20/36 42/9-40/36 42/18-20/36 42/9-20/72 42/9-60/36 42/27-20/36 42/45-20/36 42/63-20/36