Subtract 42/12 from 84/56
1st number: 1 28/56, 2nd number: 3 6/12
84/56 - 42/12 is -2/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 12 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
84/56 = 84 × 3/56 × 3 = 252/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 14 = 168,
42/12 = 42 × 14/12 × 14 = 588/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
252/168 - 588/168 = 252 - 588/168 = -336/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/1
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/56-84/12 84/56-42/24 84/56-42/36 84/56-42/60 84/56-42/84