Subtract 21/36 from 24/42
24/42 - 21/36 is -1/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
24/42 = 24 × 6/42 × 6 = 144/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
21/36 = 21 × 7/36 × 7 = 147/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/252 - 147/252 = 144 - 147/252 = -3/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 48/42-21/36 24/42-42/36 24/84-21/36 24/42-21/72 72/42-21/36 24/42-63/36