Subtract 14/4 from 21/42
1st number: 21/42, 2nd number: 3 2/4
21/42 - 14/4 is -3/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 4 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
21/42 = 21 × 2/42 × 2 = 42/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
14/4 = 14 × 21/4 × 21 = 294/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/84 - 294/84 = 42 - 294/84 = -252/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/1
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 21/42-28/4 21/84-14/4 21/42-14/8 63/42-14/4 21/42-42/4 21/42-14/12 21/42-70/4 21/42-14/20 21/42-98/4 21/42-14/28