Subtract 50/36 from 54/42
1st number: 1 12/42, 2nd number: 1 14/36
54/42 - 50/36 is -13/126.
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,
54/42 = 54 × 6/42 × 6 = 324/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
50/36 = 50 × 7/36 × 7 = 350/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
324/252 - 350/252 = 324 - 350/252 = -26/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/126
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 54/84-50/36 54/42-50/72