Answers

Solutions by everydaycalculation.com

Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Subtract fractions

Subtract 42/56 from 5/21

5/21 - 42/56 is -43/84.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 21 and 56 is 168

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
    5/21 = 5 × 8/21 × 8 = 40/168
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
    42/56 = 42 × 3/56 × 3 = 126/168
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    40/168 - 126/168 = 40 - 126/168 = -86/168
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -43/84

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related:

© everydaycalculation.com