Subtract 42/40 from 50/70
1st number: 50/70, 2nd number: 1 2/40
50/70 - 42/40 is -47/140.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 70 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 70 × 4 = 280,
50/70 = 50 × 4/70 × 4 = 200/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
42/40 = 42 × 7/40 × 7 = 294/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
200/280 - 294/280 = 200 - 294/280 = -94/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -47/140
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/70-84/40 50/70-42/80