Subtract 2/24 from 5/42
5/42 - 2/24 is 1/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 24 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
5/42 = 5 × 4/42 × 4 = 20/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 7 = 168,
2/24 = 2 × 7/24 × 7 = 14/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/168 - 14/168 = 20 - 14/168 = 6/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-2/24 5/42-4/24 5/84-2/24 5/42-2/48 15/42-2/24 5/42-6/24 5/42-2/72 25/42-2/24 5/42-10/24 35/42-2/24 5/42-14/24