Subtract 3/8 from 5/56
5/56 - 3/8 is -2/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 8 is 56
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 56 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 1 = 56,
5/56 = 5 × 1/56 × 1 = 5/56 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 7 = 56,
3/8 = 3 × 7/8 × 7 = 21/56 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/56 - 21/56 = 5 - 21/56 = -16/56 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/56-3/8 5/56-6/8 5/56-3/16 15/56-3/8 5/56-9/8 5/56-3/24 25/56-3/8 5/56-15/8 5/56-3/40 35/56-3/8 5/56-21/8 5/56-3/56