Subtract 42/5 from 3/42
1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 8 2/5
3/42 - 42/5 is -583/70.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
3/42 = 3 × 5/42 × 5 = 15/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
42/5 = 42 × 42/5 × 42 = 1764/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/210 - 1764/210 = 15 - 1764/210 = -1749/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -583/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-42/5 3/42-84/5 3/84-42/5 3/42-42/10 9/42-42/5 3/42-42/15 15/42-42/5 3/42-42/25 21/42-42/5 3/42-42/35