Subtract 40/15 from 49/42
1st number: 1 7/42, 2nd number: 2 10/15
49/42 - 40/15 is -3/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 15 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
49/42 = 49 × 5/42 × 5 = 245/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
40/15 = 40 × 14/15 × 14 = 560/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
245/210 - 560/210 = 245 - 560/210 = -315/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 98/42-40/15 49/42-80/15 49/84-40/15 49/42-40/30 49/42-40/45 49/42-40/75