Subtract 14/8 from 36/42
1st number: 36/42, 2nd number: 1 6/8
36/42 - 14/8 is -25/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
36/42 = 36 × 4/42 × 4 = 144/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
14/8 = 14 × 21/8 × 21 = 294/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/168 - 294/168 = 144 - 294/168 = -150/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -25/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-14/8 36/42-28/8 36/84-14/8 36/42-14/16 36/42-42/8 36/42-14/24 36/42-70/8 36/42-14/40 36/42-98/8 36/42-14/56