Subtract 70/42 from 84/36
1st number: 2 12/36, 2nd number: 1 28/42
84/36 - 70/42 is 2/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
84/36 = 84 × 7/36 × 7 = 588/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
70/42 = 70 × 6/42 × 6 = 420/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
588/252 - 420/252 = 588 - 420/252 = 168/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 2/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/72-70/42 84/36-70/84