Subtract 5/9 from 5/42
5/42 - 5/9 is -55/126.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
5/42 = 5 × 3/42 × 3 = 15/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
5/9 = 5 × 14/9 × 14 = 70/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/126 - 70/126 = 15 - 70/126 = -55/126
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-5/9 5/42-10/9 5/84-5/9 5/42-5/18 15/42-5/9 5/42-15/9 5/42-5/27 25/42-5/9 5/42-25/9 5/42-5/45 35/42-5/9 5/42-35/9 5/42-5/63