Subtract 42/36 from 9/15
1st number: 9/15, 2nd number: 1 6/36
9/15 - 42/36 is -17/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 12 = 180,
9/15 = 9 × 12/15 × 12 = 108/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/180 - 210/180 = 108 - 210/180 = -102/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/15-42/36 9/15-84/36 9/30-42/36 9/15-42/72 27/15-42/36 9/45-42/36 45/15-42/36 9/75-42/36 63/15-42/36