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Subtract 2/8 from 3/42

3/42 - 2/8 is -5/28.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 8 is 168

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
    3/42 = 3 × 4/42 × 4 = 12/168
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
    2/8 = 2 × 21/8 × 21 = 42/168
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    12/168 - 42/168 = 12 - 42/168 = -30/168
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/28

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