Subtract 42/56 from 24/42
24/42 - 42/56 is -5/28.
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,
24/42 = 24 × 4/42 × 4 = 96/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
42/56 = 42 × 3/56 × 3 = 126/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
96/168 - 126/168 = 96 - 126/168 = -30/168 - 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: 48/42-42/56 24/42-84/56 24/84-42/56 72/42-42/56