Subtract 49/42 from 42/84
1st number: 42/84, 2nd number: 1 7/42
42/84 - 49/42 is -2/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
42/84 = 42 × 1/84 × 1 = 42/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
49/42 = 49 × 2/42 × 2 = 98/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/84 - 98/84 = 42 - 98/84 = -56/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/84-98/42 42/84-49/84