Subtract 1/6 from 5/42
5/42 - 1/6 is -1/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 6 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
5/42 = 5 × 1/42 × 1 = 5/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 6 × 7 = 42,
1/6 = 1 × 7/6 × 7 = 7/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/42 - 7/42 = 5 - 7/42 = -2/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-1/6 5/42-2/6 5/84-1/6 5/42-1/12 15/42-1/6 5/42-3/6 5/42-1/18 25/42-1/6 5/42-5/6 5/42-1/30 35/42-1/6 5/42-7/6 5/42-1/42