Subtract 15/7 from 42/56
1st number: 42/56, 2nd number: 2 1/7
42/56 - 15/7 is -39/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 7 is 56
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 56 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 1 = 56,
42/56 = 42 × 1/56 × 1 = 42/56 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 8 = 56,
15/7 = 15 × 8/7 × 8 = 120/56 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/56 - 120/56 = 42 - 120/56 = -78/56 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -39/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/56-15/7 42/56-30/7 42/56-15/14 42/56-45/7 42/56-15/21 42/56-75/7 42/56-15/35 42/56-15/49