Subtract 5/56 from 2/42
2/42 - 5/56 is -1/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
2/42 = 2 × 4/42 × 4 = 8/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
5/56 = 5 × 3/56 × 3 = 15/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/168 - 15/168 = 8 - 15/168 = -7/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-5/56 2/42-10/56 2/84-5/56 6/42-5/56 2/42-15/56 10/42-5/56 2/42-25/56 14/42-5/56 2/42-35/56