Subtract 42/3 from 7/2
1st number: 3 1/2, 2nd number: 14 0/3
7/2 - 42/3 is -21/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 3 is 6
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 6 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 3 = 6,
7/2 = 7 × 3/2 × 3 = 21/6 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 2 = 6,
42/3 = 42 × 2/3 × 2 = 84/6 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/6 - 84/6 = 21 - 84/6 = -63/6 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/2-42/3 7/2-84/3 7/4-42/3 7/2-42/6 21/2-42/3 7/6-42/3 7/2-42/9 35/2-42/3 7/10-42/3 7/2-42/15 49/2-42/3 7/14-42/3 7/2-42/21