Subtract 42/49 from 4/84
4/84 - 42/49 is -17/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 49 is 588
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 588 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 7 = 588,
4/84 = 4 × 7/84 × 7 = 28/588 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 12 = 588,
42/49 = 42 × 12/49 × 12 = 504/588 - Subtract the two like fractions:
28/588 - 504/588 = 28 - 504/588 = -476/588 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/84-42/49 4/84-84/49 4/84-42/98 12/84-42/49 20/84-42/49 28/84-42/49