Subtract 30/36 from 5/42
5/42 - 30/36 is -5/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
5/42 = 5 × 6/42 × 6 = 30/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
30/36 = 30 × 7/36 × 7 = 210/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/252 - 210/252 = 30 - 210/252 = -180/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-30/36 5/42-60/36 5/84-30/36 5/42-30/72 15/42-30/36 5/42-90/36 25/42-30/36 35/42-30/36