Subtract 25/8 from 12/42
1st number: 12/42, 2nd number: 3 1/8
12/42 - 25/8 is -159/56.
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,
12/42 = 12 × 4/42 × 4 = 48/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
25/8 = 25 × 21/8 × 21 = 525/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/168 - 525/168 = 48 - 525/168 = -477/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -159/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42-25/8 12/42-50/8 12/84-25/8 12/42-25/16 36/42-25/8 12/42-75/8 12/42-25/24 60/42-25/8 12/42-25/40 84/42-25/8 12/42-25/56