Subtract 1/4 from 2/42
2/42 - 1/4 is -17/84.
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,
2/42 = 2 × 2/42 × 2 = 4/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
1/4 = 1 × 21/4 × 21 = 21/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
4/84 - 21/84 = 4 - 21/84 = -17/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-1/4 2/42-2/4 2/84-1/4 2/42-1/8 6/42-1/4 2/42-3/4 2/42-1/12 10/42-1/4 2/42-5/4 2/42-1/20 14/42-1/4 2/42-7/4 2/42-1/28