Subtract 4/8 from 3/42
3/42 - 4/8 is -3/7.
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,
4/8 = 4 × 21/8 × 21 = 84/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/168 - 84/168 = 12 - 84/168 = -72/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/7
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