Subtract 54/49 from 21/42
1st number: 21/42, 2nd number: 1 5/49
21/42 - 54/49 is -59/98.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 49 is 294
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 294 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 7 = 294,
21/42 = 21 × 7/42 × 7 = 147/294 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 6 = 294,
54/49 = 54 × 6/49 × 6 = 324/294 - Subtract the two like fractions:
147/294 - 324/294 = 147 - 324/294 = -177/294 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -59/98
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 21/84-54/49 21/42-54/98 63/42-54/49