Subtract 20/50 from 7/42
7/42 - 20/50 is -7/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 50 is 1050
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1050 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 25 = 1050,
7/42 = 7 × 25/42 × 25 = 175/1050 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 21 = 1050,
20/50 = 20 × 21/50 × 21 = 420/1050 - Subtract the two like fractions:
175/1050 - 420/1050 = 175 - 420/1050 = -245/1050 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/42-20/50 7/42-40/50 7/84-20/50 21/42-20/50 7/42-60/50 35/42-20/50 49/42-20/50