Subtract 40/6 from 42/9
1st number: 4 6/9, 2nd number: 6 4/6
42/9 - 40/6 is -2/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 6 is 18
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 18 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 2 = 18,
42/9 = 42 × 2/9 × 2 = 84/18 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 6 × 3 = 18,
40/6 = 40 × 3/6 × 3 = 120/18 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/18 - 120/18 = 84 - 120/18 = -36/18 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/1
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/9-40/6 42/9-80/6 42/18-40/6 42/9-40/12 42/27-40/6 42/9-40/18 42/45-40/6 42/9-40/30 42/63-40/6 42/9-40/42