Subtract 4/24 from 5/42
5/42 - 4/24 is -1/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 24 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
5/42 = 5 × 4/42 × 4 = 20/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 7 = 168,
4/24 = 4 × 7/24 × 7 = 28/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/168 - 28/168 = 20 - 28/168 = -8/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-4/24 5/42-8/24 5/84-4/24 5/42-4/48 15/42-4/24 5/42-12/24 5/42-4/72 25/42-4/24 5/42-20/24 35/42-4/24 5/42-28/24