Subtract 42/12 from 50/42
1st number: 1 8/42, 2nd number: 3 6/12
50/42 - 42/12 is -97/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
50/42 = 50 × 2/42 × 2 = 100/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
42/12 = 42 × 7/12 × 7 = 294/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
100/84 - 294/84 = 100 - 294/84 = -194/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -97/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/42-84/12 50/84-42/12 50/42-42/24 50/42-42/36 50/42-42/60 50/42-42/84