Subtract 36/8 from 3/42
1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 4 4/8
3/42 - 36/8 is -31/7.
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,
3/42 = 3 × 4/42 × 4 = 12/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
36/8 = 36 × 21/8 × 21 = 756/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/168 - 756/168 = 12 - 756/168 = -744/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-36/8 3/42-72/8 3/84-36/8 3/42-36/16 9/42-36/8 3/42-36/24 15/42-36/8 3/42-36/40 21/42-36/8 3/42-36/56