Subtract 5/42 from 3/8
3/8 - 5/42 is 43/168.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
3/8 = 3 × 21/8 × 21 = 63/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
5/42 = 5 × 4/42 × 4 = 20/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/168 - 20/168 = 63 - 20/168 = 43/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/8-5/42 3/8-10/42 3/16-5/42 3/8-5/84 9/8-5/42 3/8-15/42 3/24-5/42 15/8-5/42 3/8-25/42 3/40-5/42 21/8-5/42 3/8-35/42 3/56-5/42