Subtract 42/36 from 54/21
1st number: 2 12/21, 2nd number: 1 6/36
54/21 - 42/36 is 59/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
54/21 = 54 × 12/21 × 12 = 648/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
42/36 = 42 × 7/36 × 7 = 294/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
648/252 - 294/252 = 648 - 294/252 = 354/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 59/42
- In mixed form: 117/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 54/21-84/36 54/42-42/36 54/21-42/72 54/63-42/36