Subtract 70/50 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 1 20/50
42/36 - 70/50 is -7/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 50 is 900
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 900 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 25 = 900,
42/36 = 42 × 25/36 × 25 = 1050/900 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 18 = 900,
70/50 = 70 × 18/50 × 18 = 1260/900 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1050/900 - 1260/900 = 1050 - 1260/900 = -210/900 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/36-70/50 42/72-70/50