Subtract 42/56 from 5/9
5/9 - 42/56 is -7/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 56 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 56 = 504,
5/9 = 5 × 56/9 × 56 = 280/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
42/56 = 42 × 9/56 × 9 = 378/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
280/504 - 378/504 = 280 - 378/504 = -98/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/9-42/56 5/9-84/56 5/18-42/56 15/9-42/56 5/27-42/56 25/9-42/56 5/45-42/56 35/9-42/56 5/63-42/56