Subtract 70/84 from 42/72
42/72 - 70/84 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 84 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
42/72 = 42 × 7/72 × 7 = 294/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 6 = 504,
70/84 = 70 × 6/84 × 6 = 420/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
294/504 - 420/504 = 294 - 420/504 = -126/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/72-70/84