Subtract 20/6 from 5/42
1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 3 2/6
5/42 - 20/6 is -45/14.
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,
20/6 = 20 × 7/6 × 7 = 140/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/42 - 140/42 = 5 - 140/42 = -135/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -45/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-20/6 5/42-40/6 5/84-20/6 5/42-20/12 15/42-20/6 5/42-60/6 5/42-20/18 25/42-20/6 5/42-20/30 35/42-20/6 5/42-20/42