Subtract 21/42 from 5/36
5/36 - 21/42 is -13/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
5/36 = 5 × 7/36 × 7 = 35/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
21/42 = 21 × 6/42 × 6 = 126/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/252 - 126/252 = 35 - 126/252 = -91/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/36-21/42 5/72-21/42 5/36-21/84 15/36-21/42 5/36-63/42 25/36-21/42 35/36-21/42