Subtract 2/84 from 2/42
2/42 - 2/84 is 1/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
2/42 = 2 × 2/42 × 2 = 4/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
2/84 = 2 × 1/84 × 1 = 2/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
4/84 - 2/84 = 4 - 2/84 = 2/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-2/84 2/42-4/84 2/84-2/84 6/42-2/84 2/42-6/84 10/42-2/84 2/42-10/84 14/42-2/84 2/42-14/84