Subtract 42/56 from 20/35
20/35 - 42/56 is -5/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 35 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 35 × 8 = 280,
20/35 = 20 × 8/35 × 8 = 160/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
42/56 = 42 × 5/56 × 5 = 210/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
160/280 - 210/280 = 160 - 210/280 = -50/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/35-42/56 20/35-84/56 20/70-42/56 60/35-42/56