Answers

Solutions by everydaycalculation.com

Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Subtract fractions

Subtract 7/8 from 21/42

21/42 - 7/8 is -3/8.

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,
    21/42 = 21 × 4/42 × 4 = 84/168
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
    7/8 = 7 × 21/8 × 21 = 147/168
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    84/168 - 147/168 = 84 - 147/168 = -63/168
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/8

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related:

© everydaycalculation.com