Subtract 50/72 from 28/42
28/42 - 50/72 is -1/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
28/42 = 28 × 12/42 × 12 = 336/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
50/72 = 50 × 7/72 × 7 = 350/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/504 - 350/504 = 336 - 350/504 = -14/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 56/42-50/72 28/84-50/72 84/42-50/72