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Subtract 15/8 from 12/42

1st number: 12/42, 2nd number: 1 7/8

12/42 - 15/8 is -89/56.

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,
    12/42 = 12 × 4/42 × 4 = 48/168
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
    15/8 = 15 × 21/8 × 21 = 315/168
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    48/168 - 315/168 = 48 - 315/168 = -267/168
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -89/56

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