Subtract 84/12 from 70/42
1st number: 1 28/42, 2nd number: 7 0/12
70/42 - 84/12 is -16/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
70/42 = 70 × 2/42 × 2 = 140/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
84/12 = 84 × 7/12 × 7 = 588/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
140/84 - 588/84 = 140 - 588/84 = -448/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 70/84-84/12 70/42-84/24 70/42-84/36 70/42-84/60