Subtract 9/36 from 5/42
5/42 - 9/36 is -11/84.
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,
9/36 = 9 × 7/36 × 7 = 63/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/252 - 63/252 = 30 - 63/252 = -33/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-9/36 5/42-18/36 5/84-9/36 5/42-9/72 15/42-9/36 5/42-27/36 25/42-9/36 5/42-45/36 35/42-9/36 5/42-63/36