Subtract 14/21 from 7/42
7/42 - 14/21 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
7/42 = 7 × 1/42 × 1 = 7/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
14/21 = 14 × 2/21 × 2 = 28/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
7/42 - 28/42 = 7 - 28/42 = -21/42 - 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: 14/42-14/21 7/42-28/21 7/84-14/21 7/42-14/42 21/42-14/21 7/42-42/21 7/42-14/63 35/42-14/21 7/42-70/21 49/42-14/21 7/42-98/21