Subtract 21/36 from 50/42
1st number: 1 8/42, 2nd number: 21/36
50/42 - 21/36 is 17/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
50/42 = 50 × 6/42 × 6 = 300/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
21/36 = 21 × 7/36 × 7 = 147/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
300/252 - 147/252 = 300 - 147/252 = 153/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 17/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/42-42/36 50/84-21/36 50/42-21/72 50/42-63/36