Subtract 42/36 from 56/84
1st number: 56/84, 2nd number: 1 6/36
56/84 - 42/36 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
56/84 = 56 × 3/84 × 3 = 168/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
42/36 = 42 × 7/36 × 7 = 294/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/252 - 294/252 = 168 - 294/252 = -126/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 56/84-84/36 56/84-42/72